Self-orienting syringe and syringe interface

ABSTRACT

A medical injector including at least one syringe port for engaging at least one syringe and having a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism enables the syringe to self-align with the syringe port for locking engagement upon insertion of the syringe into the syringe port and to axially eject the syringe from the port upon rotational disengagement of the syringe from the port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional under 37 C.F.R § 1.53(b) of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/644,214, filed Jul. 7, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,245,375, which is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/928,325, filed Oct. 30,2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,670, which is a continuation of U.Sapplication Ser. No. 14/526,294, filed Oct. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,173,995, issued Nov. 3, 2015, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to a system including aself-orienting, front-loading syringe for use with a fluid injector and,further, to a connection interface for securing the syringe to the fluidinjector and to a method for loading and removal of the syringe to andfrom the fluid injector.

Description of Related Art

In many medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, a medicalpractitioner, such as a physician, injects a patient with one or moremedical fluids. In recent years, a number of injector-actuated syringesand fluid injectors for pressurized injection of medical fluids, such asa contrast solution (often referred to simply as “contrast”), a flushingagent, such as saline, and other medical fluids, have been developed foruse in procedures such as angiography, computed tomography (CT),ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emissiontomography (PET), and other molecular imaging procedures. In general,these fluid injectors are designed to deliver a preset amount of fluidat a preset pressure and/or flow rate.

In some injection procedures, the medical practitioner places a catheteror a needle connected to tubing, or other fluid delivery connection intoa vein or artery of the patient. The catheter or the tubing is connectedto either a manual or to an automatic fluid injection mechanism.Automatic fluid injection mechanisms typically include at least onesyringe connected to at least one fluid injector having, for example, atleast one powered linear piston. The at least one syringe includes, forexample, a source of contrast and/or a source of flushing fluid. Themedical practitioner enters settings into an electronic control systemof the fluid injector for a fixed volume of contrast and/or saline and afixed rate of injection for each.

The injected contrast and/or saline are delivered to a patient'svasculature through the catheter or needle inserted into the patient'sbody, such as the patient's arm or groin area. A dose of contrast isreferred to as a bolus. Once the bolus of contrast is delivered to thedesired site, that area is imaged using a conventional imagingtechnique, such as angiography imaging or scanning, computed tomography(CT), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emissiontomography (PET), and other molecular imaging procedures. The presenceof the contrast becomes clearly visible against the background of thesurrounding tissue.

Various front-loading connection interfaces have been developed tofacilitate the loading and removal of the syringe to and from the fluidinjector. In some embodiments, the syringe having a retention feature isinserted into a syringe port on the fluid injector by aligning thesyringe with a corresponding locking feature provided on the fluidinjector. It is often necessary for the medical practitioner to manuallyalign the retention feature of the syringe with the correspondinglocking feature on the fluid injector before the syringe can be loadedonto the injector. In some cases, there are only one or two possiblealignments for loading, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,913. Inthese syringes, the operator must rotate the syringe to find analignment that allows the syringe to engage the fluid injector. It isthen necessary for the operator to manually rotate the syringe relativeto the locking feature to create a strong enough engagement foroperation of the injector. In another embodiment disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,652,489, there is no need to rotationally align the syringe or torotate the syringe for installation or engagement. To remove thesyringe, the operator must rotate the syringe at least 45 degrees, andmore commonly 90 degrees, about its longitudinal axis. After rotation,the operator must then physically pull the syringe out of the injector.In some embodiments, the operator must pull on the syringe at the sametime while rotating the syringe. Such syringe injector features requireadditional time and effort to load/remove the syringe from the injector,resulting in increased time for a medical injection procedure.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved syringe andinjector attachment, interface, and/or locking feature that allows theoperator to more easily disengage or release the syringe from the fluidinjector, for example to relieve the operator of the effort ofsimultaneously pulling and rotating the syringe. There is a further needin the art for reducing or eliminating the need for the operator torotationally align the syringe with the fluid injector during engagementof the syringe with the fluid injector. While various syringe connectioninterfaces and methods are known in the medical field, improved syringedesigns, syringe retention mechanisms, connection interfaces between thesyringe and the fluid injector and methods for loading and removing thesyringe to and from the fluid injector continue to be in demand.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In view of the disadvantages of the existing connection interfacesbetween the syringe and the fluid injector, there is a need in the artfor an improved connection interface between the syringe and the fluidinjector that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. There is anadditional need for improved syringes, syringe retention mechanisms, andmethods for engaging and disengaging the syringe to and from the fluidinjector so that the syringe does not have to be manually rotationallyaligned about its longitudinal axis relative to the fluid injector toallow easy loading or removal/ejection of the syringe to and from thefluid injector.

In one embodiment, a syringe may include a barrel having a proximal end,a distal end, and a substantially circumferential sidewall extendingbetween the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis.At least one syringe retaining member may protrude radially outwardlyrelative to an outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one syringeretaining member may taper axially along the outer surface of thesidewall in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. Theat least one syringe retaining member may be configured for engagementwith a locking mechanism on a fluid injector to releasably lock thesyringe with the fluid injector. A taper of the at least one syringeretaining member may be configured to rotationally guide the syringeinto self-oriented alignment with the locking mechanism and axiallyeject the syringe upon rotation of the syringe.

The at least one syringe retaining member may have at least one firstsurface tapered axially in a direction from the distal end toward theproximal end. The at least one syringe retaining member may further havea second surface configured to guide the syringe into self-orientedalignment with the locking mechanism. The first surface and the secondsurface on the syringe retaining member may be linear, segmented,curved, continuous, discontinuous, or planar. The second surface may betapered axially in a direction opposite the first surface. The at leastone syringe retaining member may be monolithically formed on the outersurface of the syringe. The at least one syringe retaining member may beseparated from the outer surface of the syringe. The at least onesyringe retaining member may have a base surface arranged substantiallyperpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis. At least a portion ofthe at least one syringe retaining member may protrude substantiallyperpendicularly relative to the outer surface of the syringe. Individualsyringe retaining members in the plurality of syringe retaining membersmay be shaped substantially the same or may have two or more differentshapes.

In some embodiments, a plurality of syringe retaining members may bespaced around at least a portion of the outer surface of the syringe.The plurality of syringe retaining members may be separated atsubstantially equal angular intervals around the outer surface of thesyringe. The plurality of syringe retaining members may be separated atunequal angular intervals around the outer surface. The plurality ofsyringe retaining members may be aligned longitudinally at or near theproximal end relative to the longitudinal axis. At least one of theplurality of syringe retaining members may be offset toward the proximalend of the barrel. At least one of the plurality of syringe retainingmembers may be offset toward the distal end of the barrel.

In some embodiments, the at least one syringe retaining member may haveone or more locking tabs having at least one stop surface for preventinga rotation of the syringe within the locking mechanism. The at least onesyringe retaining member may have at least one first lug and at leastone second lug. The at least one first lug may be the same or differentfrom the at least one second lug. The at least one first lug may beoffset longitudinally along the longitudinal axis relative to the atleast one second lug. At least one of the first lug and the second lugmay have an inclined release member protruding at an angle from theouter surface of the barrel to a top surface of the at least one of thefirst lug and the second lug. The at least one syringe retaining membermay have at least one radially inwardly recessed hollow portion and incertain embodiments at least one reinforcing member may be provided inthe at least one hollow portion. A flange may protrude radiallyoutwardly from the outer surface of the sidewall relative to thelongitudinal axis and distally of the at least one syringe retainingmember. The flange may extend around at least a portion of the outersurface of the sidewall. The flange may have a longitudinal stop surfacefor limiting a length of a longitudinal insertion of the syringe intothe locking mechanism. The at least one syringe retaining member mayhave a shape with a triangular outline, an arrowhead-shaped outline, arectangular outline, or a rounded outline. The at least one syringeretaining member may have a top surface shaped to correspond to theouter surface of the syringe. The at least one syringe retaining membermay be configured for being received within a clearance space on thelocking mechanism.

In some embodiments, a syringe may have a barrel with a proximal end, adistal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentiallybetween the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis.The syringe may have at least one syringe retaining member protrudingradially outwardly relative to an outer surface of the sidewall. The atleast one syringe retaining member may have at least one surface taperedaxially along the outer surface of the sidewall in a direction from thedistal end toward the proximal end. The at least one syringe retainingmember may be configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on afluid injector to releasably lock the syringe with the fluid injector.The at least one surface may be configured to rotationally guide thesyringe into self-oriented alignment with the locking mechanism and mayfurther be configured to axially eject the syringe upon rotation of thesyringe.

In other embodiments, a syringe may have a barrel with a proximal end, adistal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentiallybetween the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis.The syringe may have at least one syringe retaining member protrudingradially outwardly relative to an outer surface of the sidewall. The atleast one syringe retaining member may have a first surface and a secondsurface, such that the first surface is offset axially and radiallyrelative to the second surface. The at least one syringe retainingmember may be configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on afluid injector to releasably lock the syringe with the fluid injector.At least one of the first and the second surface may be configured torotationally guide the syringe into self-oriented alignment with thelocking mechanism and the first surface and the second surface mayfurther be configured to axially eject the syringe upon rotation of thesyringe.

In some embodiments, a fluid injection apparatus may include at leastone syringe having a cylindrical barrel with a distal end, a proximalend, a sidewall, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. Thebarrel may have at least one syringe retaining member protrudingradially outwardly from an outer surface of the sidewall. The at leastone syringe retaining member may have a surface tapered axially in adirection toward the proximal end. The apparatus may further include aninjector having an injector housing defining at least one syringe portfor receiving the at least one syringe and a locking mechanismassociated with the at least one syringe port for securing the at leastone syringe within the at least one syringe port. The locking mechanismmay be configured for engaging the at least one syringe retaining memberof the syringe to releasably lock the at least one syringe within the atleast one syringe port and to axially eject the at least one syringefrom the at least one syringe port upon rotation of the syringe.

In some embodiments, the first surface may be configured to rotationallyguide the at least one syringe into self-alignment alignment with thelocking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a housing having aproximal end, a distal end, and a central opening extendingtherebetween, a first retaining ring at the distal end of the housing,and a second retaining ring within the central opening of the housingbetween the proximal end and the first retaining ring. The secondretaining ring may be rotatable relative to the first retaining ring tooperatively engage the at least one syringe retaining member of thesyringe. The first retaining ring may have at least one first recessconfigured to receive the at least one syringe retaining member when theproximal end of the at least one syringe is inserted into the at leastone syringe port. The at least one first recess may project radiallyoutwardly into an inner sidewall of the first retaining ring. Lateralsurfaces of the at least one first recess may define a guide path forguiding a movement of the at least one syringe retaining member withinthe at least one first recess. The at least one first recess may have atleast one guide surface for guiding the first surface of the at leastone syringe into the at least one first recess. The first surface of theat least one syringe retaining member may engage at least a portion ofthe at least one guide surface upon movement of the at least one syringein a proximal direction. The at least one guide surface may be angled orcurved relative to the longitudinal axis in a direction from the distalend toward the proximal end. A plurality of syringe retaining membersmay be spaced around at least a portion of the outer surface of thesidewall of the at least one syringe, such as near the proximal end, anda plurality of first recesses may be spaced apart around at least aportion of an inner surface of the first retaining ring.

In other embodiments, the second retaining ring may have one or morelocking elements on at least a portion of an inner sidewall of thesecond retaining ring. The one or more locking elements may extendradially outward into an inner sidewall of the second retaining ring.The one or more locking elements may be separated by one or more secondrecesses. The one or more second recesses may be configured to receivethe at least one syringe retaining member when the proximal end of theat least one syringe is inserted through the first retaining ring. Thefirst retaining ring may include one or more first recesses and thesecond retaining ring may include one or more second recesses configuredfor receiving the at least one syringe retaining member upon rotation ofthe second retaining ring into selective alignment with the one or morefirst recesses. At least one elastically resilient member may be coupledwith the second retaining ring. At least one sensor may be operativelyassociated with the injector for sensing information about the syringe.The at least one sensor may be configured for reading informationencoded on an encoding device on the syringe.

In some embodiments, a method of loading a syringe into a lockingmechanism of a syringe port of a fluid injector may include providing asyringe having at least one syringe retaining member protruding radiallyoutwardly from an outer surface of a syringe sidewall with at least onetapering surface tapering in a direction from a distal end toward aproximal end of the syringe, and engaging the at least one taperingsurface of the syringe with at least a portion of the locking mechanismto rotationally guide the syringe into self-oriented alignment with thelocking mechanism. The method may further include self-orienting thesyringe within the syringe port.

These and other features and characteristics of syringes, syringeconnection interfaces, and systems having syringes and/or syringeconnection interfaces, as well as the methods of operation and functionsof the related elements of structures and the combination of parts andeconomies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon considerationof the following description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification, wherein like reference numerals designate correspondingparts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of“a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a system including a fluid injector and asyringe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a syringe according to one embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a connection interface forsecuring a syringe to a fluid injector according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a detailed perspective view of the assembled connectioninterface shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface shown inFIG. 2A with a syringe loaded into a syringe port;

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connectioninterface shown in FIG. 2C;

FIG. 3A is a front, exploded perspective view of a connection interfacefor securing a syringe to a fluid injector according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 3B is a rear, exploded perspective view of the connection interfaceshown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface shown inFIG. 3A with a syringe loaded into a syringe port;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3Cshowing the syringe being loaded into the syringe port;

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3Cshowing the syringe locked relative to the syringe port;

FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3Cshowing a first step in unlocking the syringe from the syringe port;

FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3Cshowing a second step in unlocking the syringe from the syringe port;

FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3Cshowing a third step in unlocking the syringe from the syringe port;

FIGS. 4A-4M show cylindrical plan projection views of connectioninterfaces for securing a syringe to a fluid injector according tovarious other embodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5Z show various embodiments of syringe retaining members on asyringe;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a coupling configured for connecting asyringe of the present disclosure to an injector;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an adapter configured for connecting asyringe to an injector of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7B are perspective views of alternative embodiments ofconnection portions of the coupling shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of forces on an embodiment of a syringeretaining member and connection interface during ejection of a syringefrom a fluid injector;

FIG. 8B is a graph of a slip angle for syringe ejection as a function ofa coefficient of friction between a syringe retaining member and alocking mechanism;

FIG. 8C is a graph of a ratio of a rotational force on a syringe duringejection relative to a restoring force of a locking mechanism as afunction of an angle of tapered surfaces at a connection interface;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of forces on an embodiment of a syringeretaining member and connection interface during an insertion of asyringe into a fluid injector;

FIG. 9B is a graph of a slip angle for syringe ejection as a function ofa coefficient of friction between a syringe and a locking mechanism; and

FIGS. 10A-10H show various embodiments of syringe retaining members onthe syringe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”,“right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”,“longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosureas it is oriented in the drawing figures. When used in relation to asyringe, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a syringe nearestthe to an injector when a syringe is oriented for connecting to aninjector. The term “distal” refers to a portion of a syringe farthestaway from an injector when a syringe is oriented for connecting to aninjector. The term “radial” refers to a direction in a cross-sectionalplane normal to a longitudinal axis of a syringe extending betweenproximal and distal ends. The term “circumferential” refers to adirection around an inner or outer surface of a sidewall of a syringe.The term “axial” refers to a direction along a longitudinal axis of asyringe extending between the proximal and distal ends. The term“self-orienting” means that a syringe orients itself to the correctorientation within a syringe port during insertion without effort by atechnician. The terms “ axial taper”, “axial tapering”, and “taperingaxially” mean an angle of inclination of at least one virtual or realsurface on a syringe in a cylindrical plan projection view in adirection from a distal end toward a proximal end of a syringe. It is tobe understood, however, that the disclosure may assume alternativevariations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics related to the embodiments (i.e., aspects, variants,variations) disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Referring to the drawings in which like reference characters refer tolike parts throughout the several views thereof, the present disclosureis generally directed to syringe and a connection interface forconnecting a syringe to a fluid injector.

With reference to FIG. 1A, a fluid injector 10 (hereinafter referred toas “injector 10”), such as an automated or powered fluid injector, isadapted to interface with and actuate at least one syringe 12, each ofwhich may be independently filled with a medical fluid F, such ascontrast media, saline solution, or any desired medical fluid. Theinjector 10 may be used during a medical procedure to inject the medicalfluid into the body of a patient by driving a plunger 26 of the at leastone syringe 12 with at least one piston. The injector 10 may be amulti-syringe injector, wherein several syringes 12 may be oriented in aside-by-side or other relationship and include plungers 26 separatelyactuated by respective pistons associated with the injector 10. Inembodiments with two syringes arranged in a side-by-side relationshipand filled with two different medical fluids, the injector 10 may beconfigured to deliver fluid from one or both of the syringes 12.

The injector 10 may be enclosed within a housing 14 formed from asuitable structural material, such as plastic or metal. The housing 14may be of various shapes and sizes depending on the desired application.For example, the injector 10 may be a free-standing structure configuredto be placed on the floor or may be a smaller design for placement on asuitable table or support frame. The injector 10 includes at least onesyringe port 16 for connecting the at least one syringe 12 to respectivepiston elements. As will be described hereinafter, in some embodiments,the at least one syringe 12 includes at least one syringe retainingmember configured for retaining the syringe 12 within the syringe port16 of the injector 10. The at least one syringe retaining member isconfigured to operatively engage a locking mechanism provided on or inthe syringe port 16 of the injector 10 to facilitate self-orientedloading and/or removal of the syringe 12 to and from the injector 10, aswill be described herein. The syringe retaining member and the lockingmechanism together define a connection interface for connecting thesyringe 12 to the injector 10.

At least one fluid path set 17 may be fluidly connected with the atleast one syringe 12 for delivering medical fluid F from the at leastone syringe 12 to a catheter, needle, or other fluid delivery connection(not shown) inserted into a patient at a vascular access site. Fluidflow from the at least one syringe 12 may be regulated by a fluidcontrol module (not shown). The fluid control module may operatevarious, pistons, valves, and/or flow regulating structures to regulatethe delivery of the medical fluid, such as saline solution and contrast,to the patient based on user selected injection parameters, such asinjection flow rate, duration, total injection volume, and/or ratio ofcontrast media and saline. One embodiment of a suitable front-loadingfluid injector that may be modified for use with the above-describedsystem including at least one syringe and at least one syringe interfacefor self-oriented loading and releasable retaining of the at least onesyringe with the fluid injector described herein with reference to FIG.1A is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858 to Reilly et al. which isincorporated by reference in its entirety. Another embodiment ofrelevant multi-fluid delivery systems that may be modified for use withthe present system are found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,553,294 to Lazzaro etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,169 to Cowan et al.; International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2012/037491 (published as WO 2012/155035); andUnited States Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0027009 to Rileyet al.; all of which are assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication, and the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference. Other embodiments may include new fluid injector systemsdesigned to include various embodiments of the interface describedherein.

Having described the general structure and function of the injector 10,the at least one syringe 12 will now by discussed in greater detail.With reference to FIG. 1B, the syringe 12 generally has a cylindricalsyringe barrel 18 formed from glass, metal, or a suitable medical-gradeplastic. The barrel 18 has a proximal end 20 and a distal end 24, with asidewall 19 extending therebetween along a length of a longitudinal axis15 extending through a center of the barrel 18. The barrel 18 may bemade from a transparent or translucent material, and may include atleast one fluid verification member 11 for verifying a presence of thefluid F within the syringe barrel 18. A nozzle 22 extends from thedistal end 24 of the barrel 18. The barrel 18 has an outer surface 21and an inner surface 23 that defines an interior volume 25 configuredfor receiving the fluid therein. The proximal end 20 of the barrel 18may be sealed with the plunger 26 that is slidable through the barrel18. The plunger 26 forms a liquid-tight seal against the inner surface23 of sidewall 19 of the barrel 18 as it is advanced therethrough. Theplunger 26 may have a rigid inner element 28 configured for engagementwith the piston of the injector 10. The plunger 26 may further includean elastomeric cover 29 disposed over at least a portion of the rigidinner element 28. The elastomeric cover 29 is configured to engage theinner surface 23 of the barrel 18 and provide a liquid-tight sealagainst the sidewall 19 of the barrel 18 as it is advanced therethrough.

A drip flange 36 may extend radially outward from the outer surface 21of the syringe barrel 18 relative to the longitudinal axis 15. The dripflange 36 may extend around at least a portion of the outercircumference of the barrel 18. In one embodiment, the drip flange 36 ispositioned distally along the longitudinal axis 15 relative to a syringeretaining member 32. The drip flange 36 may be configured to preventfluid that drips from the nozzle 22 from entering the syringe port 16 onthe injector 10. In this manner, the drip flange 36 helps reduce theamount of fluid that may enter the syringe port 16 and jam or otherwiseinterfere with the connection interface 100 (shown in FIG. 2A) and/orthe interior mechanics and electronics of the injector 10. In someembodiments, the drip flange 36 defines a longitudinal stop surface thatdelimits the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 (see FIG. 1B). Thedrip flange 36 may be formed integrally with the barrel 18 or it may beaffixed or otherwise secured to the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18using, for example, a frictional fit and/or an adhesive, welding, or bymolding. In other embodiments, the drip flange 36 may be formed on theouter surface 21 of the barrel 18 by etching, laser cutting, ormachining.

With continued reference to FIG. 1B, the proximal end 20 of the syringe12 is sized and adapted for being removably inserted in the syringe port16 of the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, theproximal end 20 of the syringe 12 defines an insertion section 30 thatis configured to be removably inserted into the syringe port 16 of theinjector 10 while the remaining portion of the syringe 12 remainsoutside of the syringe port 16. As will be described in detail herein,in certain embodiments, the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12 includesone or more syringe retaining members 32 adapted to form a lockingengagement with a corresponding locking mechanism in the syringe port 16of the injector 10 for releasably retaining the syringe 12 in thesyringe port 16. The combination of the syringe having the one or moresyringe retaining members 32 and the locking mechanism 35 (shown in FIG.2A) of the injector 10 defines a connection interface for loading andunloading the syringe 12 to and from the injector 10. In someembodiments, at least a portion of the one or more syringe retainingmembers 32 may cooperate with at least a portion of the lockingmechanism to self-orient the syringe 12 relative to the syringe port 16such that the syringe 12 may be releasably inserted into and locked withthe syringe port 16.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, a connection interface 100 for loadingand unloading the at least one syringe 12 (FIG. 1B) from the at leastone syringe port 16 of the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A) is shown inaccordance with one embodiment. The syringe 12 and the injector 10include the connection interface 100 having at least one syringeretaining member 32 provided on the syringe 12 and a correspondinglocking mechanism 35 provided on the syringe port 16 of the injector 10.In one embodiment, the at least one syringe retaining member 32 isprovided on or near the proximal end 20 of the syringe barrel 18 and/oron at least a part of the insertion section 30. For example, the atleast one syringe retaining member 32 may be provided on an outersurface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 on at least a portion of theinsertion section 30. The at least one syringe retaining member 32 maybe formed integrally with the barrel 18 or it may be affixed orotherwise secured to the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 using, forexample, a frictional fit and/or an adhesive, welding, or by molding. Inother embodiments, the at least one syringe retaining member 32 may beformed on the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 by etching, lasercutting, or machining.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the at least one syringe retaining member 32 maybe formed as including one or more lugs 34 that protrude radiallyoutwardly from the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 relative tothe longitudinal axis 15. In some embodiments, a plurality of lugs 34may be separated radially about the circumference of the barrel 18. Insuch embodiments, the lugs 34 are separated from each other by portionsof the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18. Together, each lug 34 and theouter surface 21 of the barrel 18 on one radially adjacent side (left orright) of the lug 34 define the syringe retaining member 32. Inembodiments where more than two lugs 34 are provided, the lugs 34 may beevenly or unevenly spaced apart in a radial direction on the outersurface 21 of the barrel 18. In one exemplary and non-limitingembodiment with six syringe retaining members 32 having equal angularseparation therebetween, such as shown in FIG. 1B, each syringeretaining member 32 extends over 60 degrees and is therefore separatedby 60 degrees from syringe retaining member 32 adjacent on either side.In such embodiment, each lug 34 may extend over 30 degrees of thecircumference of the barrel 18 while the portion of the outer surface 21of the barrel 18 that defines the remainder of the syringe retainingmember 32 extends over the remaining 30 degrees. In other embodiments,each lug 34 may extend at an angle α (shown in FIG. 2B), which may bemore than 30 degrees or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of thebarrel 18. Similarly, each portion of the outer surface 21 of the barrel18 between adjacent lugs 34 may extend at an angle β (shown in FIG. 2B),which may be more than 30 degrees or less than 30 degrees of thecircumference of the barrel 18. In some embodiments, the syringeretaining members 32 may have unequal angular extension and/or unequalangular spacing between the syringe retaining members 32 about the outercircumference of the barrel 18. Furthermore, the one or more syringeretaining members 32 may be aligned longitudinally along thelongitudinal axis 15 from the proximal end 20. In other embodiments, atleast one lug 34 may be offset longitudinally relative to the remaininglugs in a direction toward the proximal end 20 or the distal end 24. Inan embodiment in which one or more lugs 34 is absent, the correspondingsyringe retaining member 32 can be defined by the clearance surface(s)which is the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 between adjacent lugs 34.While embodiments having each syringe retaining member 32 extending over60 degrees are exemplified in the attached drawings, syringes withretaining members 32 having other angles of separation, for example360/x degrees where x is value from 1 and 36, are also within the scopeof the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, each of the one or more lugs 34 may havea generally triangular, rectangular, polygonal, or arrowhead shape. Theone or more lugs 34 protrude radially outwardly from the outer surface21 of the barrel 18 in a direction substantially perpendicular to theouter surface 21. In some embodiments, the one or more lugs 34 orportions of lugs 34 protrude radially outwardly from the outer surface21 of the barrel 18 at an obtuse or acute angle between the outersurface 21 of the barrel 18 and a top surface 46 of the one or more lugs34. In some embodiments, the lugs 34 may have an identical shape to eachother. In other embodiments, at least one of the lugs 34 may have ashape different from a shape of the remaining lugs 34.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more lugs 34 has a base surface38 that may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15of the barrel 18 in a radial cross-sectional plane. In otherembodiments, the base surface 38 may be angled relative to the directionof the longitudinal axis 15 as it extends around the outer circumferenceof the barrel 18 in a radial cross-sectional plane. The base surface 38may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the base surface 38 may have a plurality of individualsections that together define the base surface 38. The plurality ofindividual sections of the base surface 38 may define a surface that maybe planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, at least one first surface 40 may extend from atleast one end of the base surface 38 in a direction substantiallyparallel or tapered to the longitudinal axis 15. With reference to FIG.2B, a pair of first surfaces 40 is shown on opposite ends of the basesurface 38. In some embodiments, at least one first surface 40 may betapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or adistal direction of the longitudinal axis 15. The axial tapering of theat least one first surface 40 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 maybe defined as an angle of inclination of the first surface 40 in acylindrical plan projection view in a direction from the distal end 24toward the proximal end 20. The first surfaces 40 may be tapered in asame direction or opposite directions relative to the direction of thelongitudinal axis 15. The at least one first surface 40 may be directlyconnected with the base surface 38. In some embodiments, at least onefirst surface 40 may be disconnected from the base surface 38. The atleast one first surface 40 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, ora combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one firstsurface 40 may have a plurality of individual sections that togetherdefine the at least one first surface 40. The plurality of individualsections of the at least one first surface 40 may define a surface thatmay be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combination thereof.

At least one second surface 42 extends from at least one first surface40 or the base surface 38. With reference to FIG. 2B, a pair of secondsurfaces 42 is shown extending from the proximal ends of first surfaces40. In some embodiments, at least one second surface 42 may be taperedaxially and circumferentially (and optionally radially) relative to thelongitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or a distal direction of thelongitudinal axis 15. In some embodiments, at least one second surface42 may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in aproximal direction. The axial and circumferential tapering of the atleast one second surface 42 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may bedefined as an angle of inclination of the second surface 42 in acylindrical plan projection view in a direction from the distal end 24toward the proximal end 20. For example, the at least one second surface42 may be tapered at an angle γ (shown in FIG. 2B) relative to a planenormal to the longitudinal axis 15. Each of the second surfaces 42 maybe tapered at a same or different angle γ relative to the plane normalto the longitudinal axis 15. The second surfaces 42 may join together ata rounded or a sharp point 44. At least one second surface 42 may bedirectly connected with at least one of the first surface 40, the basesurface 38, and the point 44. In some embodiments, at least one secondsurface 42 may be disconnected from at least one of the first surface40, the base surface 38, and the point 44. In some embodiments, the pairof second surfaces 42 may be omitted such that only the first surfaces40 may join at the rounded or sharp point 44. In other embodiments, therounded or sharp point 44 may be disconnected from the first surfaces 40or the second surfaces 42. The at least one second surface 42 may beplanar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the at least one second surface 42 may have a plurality ofindividual sections that together define the at least one second surface42. The plurality of individual sections of the at least one secondsurface 42 may define a surface that may be planar, segmented, arcuate,curved, or a combination thereof.

The base surface 38, the first and second surfaces 40, 42, and the point44 define a border or an outline of the top surface 46 of each of theone or more lugs 34. In some embodiments, the top surface 46 may beshaped to correspond to the curvature of the syringe barrel 18. In otherembodiments, the top surface 46 of one or more of the lugs 34 may beangled relative to the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 suchthat a first end of the top surface 46 is higher than a second end ofthe top surface 46 relative to the surface of the syringe barrel 18. Thetop surface 46 may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may becomprised of a plurality of separate surfaces that together define thetop surface 46. The top surface 46 may be planar, segmented, arcuate,curved, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the base surface38, the first and second surfaces 40, 42, and the point 44 define aborder or an outline of the lug 34 having a generally arrowhead shapeshown in FIGS. 2A-2B.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, according to one embodiment, the syringeport 16 of the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A) has a locking mechanism 35configured to operatively engage the at least one syringe retainingmember 32 of the syringe 12. Referring initially to FIG. 2A, the lockingmechanism 35 includes a housing 70 with a central opening 71 configuredto receive the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12. The housing 70 may beformed as part of the housing 14 of the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A)or as a fitted attachment to the housing 14 of injector 10. A firstretaining ring 48 is secured to a distal end of the housing 70 such thatthe central opening 71 of the housing 70 is aligned with a centralopening 50 of the first retaining ring 48. The first retaining ring 48has a body 72 having a radially extending flange 74. At least a portionof the body 72 extends away from the flange 74 in a proximal direction.When installed on the housing 70, the flange 74 engages a top portion ofthe housing 70 and is secured by one or more fasteners (not shown)extending through one or more fastener openings 76. At least a portionof the body 72 of the first retaining ring 48 is inserted into thecentral opening 71 of the housing 70. In other embodiments, the firstretaining ring 48 may be secured to the housing 70 by other mechanicalfastening arrangements, such as a clip, screws, adhesives, welding, orsnap fit. When installed on the housing 70, a central axis 59 of thefirst retaining ring 48 is coaxial with a central axis of the housing70.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2A, an inner portion of a sidewall 58within the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 has one ormore first recesses 60 that are configured to receive the one or morelugs 34 of the syringe 12 when the insertion section 30 of the syringe12 is inserted through the central opening 50 of the first retainingring 48. The one or more first recesses 60 may be evenly spaced aboutthe inner circumference of the sidewall 58. In such embodiments, thefirst recesses 60 are separated from each other by portions of thesidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48. Together, each first recess60 and the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 on one radiallyadjacent side (left or right) of the first recess 60 define a clearancespace 63 for receiving the syringe retaining member 32 on the syringe12. The first recess 60 of each clearance space 63 may be configured toreceive at least one lug 34 of the syringe retaining member 32, whilethe sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 may be configured toreceive a portion of the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 when thesyringe retaining member 32 is inserted into the clearance space 63. Forexample, in an embodiment where the first retaining ring 48 has sixclearance spaces 63 equally separated about the circumference of thefirst retaining ring 48, each clearance space 63 is separated 60 degreesapart from the clearance spaces 63 adjacent on either side. In suchembodiments, each first recesses 60 may extend over 30 degrees of thecircumference of the first retaining ring 48 while the portion of thesidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 that defines the remainder ofthe clearance space 63 extend over the remaining 30 degrees of thecircumference. In other embodiments, the first retaining ring 48 mayinclude 1-5 or 7-12 or more clearance spaces 63 wherein each firstrecess 60 may extend over more than 30 degrees or less than 30 degreesof the circumference of the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48.In some embodiments, the number of lugs 34 on the syringe 12 correspondsto the number of first recesses 60 on the retaining ring 48. In otherembodiments, the number of lugs 34 on the syringe 12 is smaller than thenumber of first recesses 60 on the retaining ring 48. In suchembodiments, the lugs 34 on the syringe 12 are spaced apart along anouter circumference of the syringe barrel 18 such that each lug 34 canbe aligned with a corresponding first recess 60 on the retaining ring48. In other embodiments, the number of lugs 34 on the syringe 12 ishigher than the number of first recesses 60 on the retaining ring 48such that more than one lug 34 may be received within at least one firstrecess 60.

Each of the one or more first recesses 60 extends radially outward intothe inner portion of the sidewall 58 relative to the central axis 59.The lateral surfaces of each first recess 60 define a travel path forguiding the movement of the lug 34 in and out of the first recess 60 asthe insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is inserted into and out ofthe first retaining ring 48. Each first recess 60 extends substantiallyparallel along a direction of the central axis 59. In some embodiments,each first recess 60 may have one or more guiding surfaces 62 and 65that guide the lugs 34 into self-oriented alignment with the firstrecesses 60 such that the lugs 34 can be inserted into the firstrecesses 60 and self-align the syringe 12 within syringe port 16 withoutany guidance or effort of the technician. The guiding surfaces 62 and 65may be inclined radially and axially toward an opening of the firstrecess 60 to self-orient and guide the movement of the second surfaces42 of the lugs 34. In some embodiments, the guiding surfaces 65 may bepointed axially such that a first portion of the guiding surface 65 isinclined toward one of the first recesses 60 while a second portion ofthe guiding surface 65 is inclined toward an adjacent first recess 60.The one or more guiding surfaces 62 and 65 aid in self-orienting thesyringe 12 as it is inserted into the syringe port 16 by guiding the oneor more lugs 34 of the syringe 12 into the corresponding one or morefirst recesses 60 on the syringe port 16. In this manner, a syringe 12whose longitudinal axis 15 may be axially misaligned with the axis 59 ofthe syringe port 16 and the one or more lugs 34 which may be initiallymisaligned with the corresponding one or more first recesses 60 in arotational direction about the longitudinal axis 15 of the syringe 12are brought in alignment axially with the syringe port 16 androtationally with the one or more first recesses 60 by interaction of atleast the second surfaces 42 of the lugs 34 and the one or more guidingsurfaces 62 and 65. The one or more first recesses 60 may have a bottomsurface 67 that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 59.In some embodiments, the bottom surface 67 may be angled or tapered in aradial direction.

With continued reference to the embodiment in FIG. 2A, the lockingmechanism 35 may further include a second retaining ring 78 having asubstantially annular shape with an inner sidewall 80. The secondretaining ring 78 is disposed within the central opening 71 of thehousing 70 between a proximal end of the body 72 of the first retainingring 48 and a bottom 82 of the housing 70. As detailed further herein,the second retaining ring 78 is rotatable relative to the firstretaining ring 48 and the housing 70, which are fixed relative to eachother. The second retaining ring 78 may have one or more first lockingelements 84 and, optionally, one or more second locking elements 86disposed on at least a portion of the inner sidewall 80. The one or morefirst and second locking elements 84, 86 may be arranged in analternating manner such that each first locking element 84 has a secondlocking element 86 provided on either side of it along the circumferenceof the inner sidewall 80. In other embodiments, at least one secondlocking element 86 is provided for a plurality of first locking elements84. In some embodiments, the total number of first and second lockingelements 84, 86 may correspond to the total number of first recesses 60and/or the at least one syringe retaining member 32 of the syringe 12.In other embodiments, the total number of first and second lockingelements 84, 86 may correspond to a multiple or fraction of the numberof at least one syringe retaining members 32 of the syringe 12.

The one or more first and second locking elements 84, 86 extend radiallyoutward from the inner sidewall 80 of the second retaining ring 78 andare separated by one or more second recesses 88. The one or more secondrecesses 88 are configured to receive the one or more lugs 34 of thesyringe 12 when the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is insertedthrough the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48. The oneor more second recesses 88 are arranged around a circumference of theinner sidewall 80 of the second retaining ring 78 such that the one ormore second recesses 88 may be selectively aligned with the one or morefirst recesses 60 on the first retaining ring 48. For example, in anembodiment where the first retaining ring 48 has six first recesses 60equally separated about the housing 70, the second retaining ring 78 mayalso have six second recesses 88 equally separated apart (i.e.,separated by 60 degrees) from the second recesses 88 adjacent on eitherside.

With reference to FIG. 2B, the one or more first locking elements 84have a first inclined surface 90 configured for engaging at least thesecond surface 42 of the at least one lug 34. The first inclined surface90 may be linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof. The oneor more first locking elements 84 may have a second inclined surface 92additionally configured to engage at least one of the point 44, thefirst surface 40, and/or the second surface 42 of the lugs 34.Similarly, the one or more second locking elements 86 may have a secondinclined surface 92 configured to engage at least one of the point 44,the first surface 40, and/or the second surface 42 of the lugs 34. Thesecond inclined surface 92 may be linear, segmented, curved, or acombination thereof. The first inclined surface 90 on the one or moresecond locking elements 86 may transition to a linear top surface 94that is substantially parallel to a top surface of the second retainingring 78. The angle and profile of the first inclined surface 90 of theone or more first locking elements 84 may be the same as or differentthan the second inclined surface 92 of the locking elements 84 and 86.In some embodiments, only a first inclined surface 90 may be provided inlinear, segmented, curved, or combination form.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2B-2C, the one or more first lockingelements 84 may extend higher along the inner sidewall 80 relative tothe one or more second locking elements 86. The linear top surface 94 ofthe one or more second locking elements 86 may be positioned lowerrelative to the top of the one or more first locking elements 84 inorder to accommodate the relative sliding movement of one or morelocking tabs 96 extending proximally from the first retaining ring 48.The one or more locking tabs 96 define a rotational stop surface for oneor more lugs 34 once the syringe 12 is inserted into the syringe port16. In other embodiments, the one or more locking tabs 96 may beprovided separately from the one or more second locking elements 86. Insome embodiments, the one or more locking tabs 96 may be provided on thesyringe and/or at least one of the lugs 34, as described herein.

With reference to FIG. 2D, the second retaining ring 78 is rotatablyretained within the housing 70. At least one guide pin 98 extends in aproximal direction from a bottom surface of the second retaining ring78. The at least one guide pin 98 is received inside at least one guidepin slot 101 formed on the bottom 82 of the housing 70. The at least oneguide pin slot 101 may extend over a portion of a circumference of thebottom 82 (see FIG. 2A). At least one elastically resilient member 102(shown in FIG. 2A), such as a spring, is connected to or in contact withat least a portion of the second retaining ring 78 and with at least aportion of the housing 70. In one embodiment, the elastically resilientmember 102 may be connected to or in contact with at one end of the atleast one guide pin 98, while the opposing end of the elasticallyresilient member 102 may be connected to or in contact with an end ofthe at least one guide pin slot 101. The at least one elasticallyresilient member 102 (shown in FIG. 2A) urges the second retaining ring78 to a first position (see FIG. 2B) wherein the one or more firstrecesses 60 are not aligned with the one or more second recesses 88. Byinserting the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16, the one or more lugs34 engage the one or more first and second locking elements 84, 86 torotate the second retaining ring 78 to a second position and allow theinsertion of the one or more lugs 34 into the one or more secondrecesses 88, as described herein.

To insert the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16, the insertion section30 of the syringe 12 is urged into contact with the first retaining ring48. If the lugs 34 are initially misaligned relative to the firstrecesses 60, guiding surfaces, for example the point 44 and/or at leastone first surface 40 and/or at least one second surface 42 on the one ormore lugs 34 and the guiding surfaces 62, 65 on the locking mechanism35, guide the lugs 34 toward self-alignment with the first recesses 60as the insertion section 30 is moved proximally relative to theretaining ring 48. Continued proximal movement of the syringe 12relative to the first retaining ring 48 causes the lugs 34 to be guidedinto the first recesses 60 until at least a portion of one or more ofthe lugs 34 is brought into contact with the one or more first andsecond locking elements 84, 86 of the second retaining ring 78. Thefirst and second inclined surfaces 90, 92 are configured for engaging atleast one of the lug 34 surfaces 40, 42, or the point 44. Continuedproximal movement of the syringe 12 relative the first retaining ring 48causes the lugs 34 to exert a proximally directed force on the firstand/or second inclined surfaces 90, 92 and thus on second retaining ring78. As the second retaining ring 78 is prevented from moving proximallyby the housing 70 and because of the slope or taper on the first andsecond inclined surfaces 90, 92 and/or the point 44 and/or at least onefirst surface 40 and/or at least one second surface 42 on the lug 34,the proximal movement creates a force which has a component in therotational direction which acts against the restoring force of the atleast one elastically resilient member 102 to rotate the secondretaining ring 78 from the first position shown in FIG. 2B to a secondposition where the one or more first recesses 60 are aligned with theone or more second recesses 88. In this embodiment, the point 44 and/orat least one first surface 40 and/or at least one second surface 42 onthe lug 34 are the opening surfaces which force open the locking orattachment mechanism 35. The one or more lugs 34 may cause the secondretaining ring 78 to rotate in the first direction, such as a clockwiseor a counterclockwise direction. As the second retaining ring 78 isrotated during a proximal movement of the syringe 12 within the syringeport 16, the one or more lugs 34 are guided into the corresponding oneor more second recesses 88 until the point 44 of the lugs 34 engages abottom or stop surface of the one or more second recesses 88. As theoperator releases the syringe 12, under the restoring action of theelastically resilient member 102, the second retaining ring 78 isrotated in the second direction, which is opposite to the firstdirection, from the second position back to the first position.According to certain embodiments, rotation of the second retaining ring78 relative to the housing 70 causes the syringe 12 to rotate therewithuntil the one or more lugs 34 are secured behind one or more retentionsurfaces 64 of the first retaining ring 48 and engage the one or morelocking tabs 96. In this example embodiment, the first surface 40 is therotational stop surface which interacts with locking tab 96. In someembodiments, movement of the second retaining ring 78 may be limited bythe position of the one or more guide pins 98 within the one or moreguide pin slots 101. Alternatively, one or more first and second lockingelements 84, 86 of the second retaining ring 78 could interact with oneor more elements on first retaining ring 48, for example an extension ofone or more locking tabs 96 to limit the rotation of the secondretaining ring 78. As the second retaining ring 78, along with thesyringe 12, is rotated to the first position, the one or more secondrecesses 88 are offset relative to the one or more first recesses 60such that removal of the syringe 12 in the distal direction is preventedby one or more retention surfaces 64 of the first retaining ring 48interacting with one or more base surfaces 38 of one or more lugs 34.

In another embodiment, the elastically resilient member 102 continues toexert a torque to close or hold the lug 34 against locking tab 96. Insome embodiments, second inclined surface 92 continues to be urgedagainst the second surface 42 of the lug 34. In such embodiments,because the syringe 12 can rotate no further, the force between the twosurfaces urges the syringe 12 distally, pushing the one or more basesurfaces 38 against the one or more retention surfaces 64. This has thebenefit of taking up the mechanical slack, slop, or clearances that areneeded to allow free motion of the syringe 12 during installation andremoval. The strength of the torque, the slopes/tapers of the surfaces,and the friction involved can be adjusted to lock the syringe 12 tightlyenough that minimal reverse or proximal motion will happen during thefilling of a syringe 12. An audible and/or tactile feedback may beprovided when the syringe 12 is seated and locked within the syringeport 16. The audible and/or tactile feedback may be generated by aninteraction of any surface on the syringe 12 with a correspondingsurface on the syringe port 16 when the syringe 12 is in the lockedposition. For example, audible and/or tactile feedback may be generatedby an interaction of at least one surface on the lug 34, such as thepoint 44 and/or at least one first surface 40 and/or at least one secondsurface 42, with at least a portion of the locking mechanism 35. Therotation of the syringe 12 due to the force of the elastically resilientmember 102 during engagement may produce a tactile feedback.

To unlock and remove the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16, thesyringe 12 is rotated relative to the first retaining ring 48 about thecentral axis 59 against the restoring force of the elastically resilientmember 102. For example, if the syringe 12 is locked within the syringeport 16 by rotating the syringe 12 in a clockwise direction, the syringe12 may be unlocked by rotating the syringe 12 in a counterclockwisedirection. Rotation of the syringe 12 aligns the second recesses 88 withthe first recesses 60. The syringe 12 can then be removed/ejected fromthe syringe port 16 by movement of the syringe 12 in a distal direction.In the process of turning the syringe 12 and thus rotating the secondretaining ring 78 against the force of the elastically resilient member102, the at least one second surface 42 or the point 44 on the syringe12 and the first and/or second inclined surface 90, 92 on the secondretaining ring 78 interact to create a distally directed force on thesyringe 12 to eject/urge the syringe 12 out of syringe port 16. When asyringe 12 is released, unlatched, or disengaged, the syringe 12 is freeto be removed or pulled from the syringe port 16 by the user. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, when the syringe 12 is releasedfrom the syringe port 16, there is an axial force ejecting, pushing,urging or moving the syringe 12 distally out of the syringe port 16without any guidance or effort by the technician. In certainembodiments, this force or motion may not necessarily be sufficient tofully eject the syringe 12 all the way out of the syringe port 16,however, the force or motion may be sufficient so that the user has atactile indication or feedback that the rotation is sufficient forrelease and the syringe 12 may be more readily removed from the syringeport 16. For example, rotation of the syringe barrel 18 may cause thepoint 44 on the lug 34 to slide along the surface in a distal directionalong the surface of the first and/or second inclined surface 90, 92 onthe second retaining ring 78. When the base surface 38 of the one ormore lugs 34 clears the corresponding one or more retention surfaces 64on the second retaining ring 78, the distally directed force causes thesyringe 12 to be urged distally and, if allowed, be ejected to a firstposition out of the syringe port 16, indicating to the operator that thesyringe 12 has been fully released and can be removed from the syringeport 16. As the syringe 12 is removed from the syringe port 16, therestoring force of the elastically resilient member 102 causes thesecond retaining ring 78 to return to the first position for asubsequent insertion of the new syringe 12. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2D, the syringe 12 may be rotated 30 degrees or less about thelongitudinal axis 15 to disengage the syringe 12 for removal from thesyringe port 16.

The operation of the locking mechanism 35 can be further explainedthrough the interaction of the retention surfaces of the syringe 12 andsyringe port 16 that cooperate to retain the syringe 12 in the syringeport 16 once one or more of the base surfaces 38 of the syringe 12 isengaged with the one or more retention surfaces 64 of the firstretaining ring 48. The guiding surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringeport 16 that cooperate to self-align or automatically rotationally alignthe syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 for self-oriented installation ofthe syringe 12 include the one or more second surfaces 42 and/or point44 of the syringe 12 and the one or more guiding surfaces 65 of thesyringe port 16. The opening surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port16 that cooperate to open the syringe port 16 for the installation ofthe syringe 12 include the one or more second surfaces 42 of the syringe12 and one or more of the first and/or second inclined surfaces 90, 92of the syringe port 16. The tightening surfaces of the syringe 12 andsyringe port 16 that cooperate to take up the mechanical slack ortolerances include one or more surfaces 38, 40, 42 of the syringe 12and/or surfaces 64, 96, 90, 92 of syringe port 16. The detachmentsurfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 that cooperate todisengage or remove the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16 includesurfaces 42 of the syringe 16 and surfaces 90, 92 of the syringe port16. The ejection surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 thatcooperate to create a distally directed force to urge ejection of thesyringe 12 from syringe port 16 include the second surfaces 42 of thesyringe 12 and second inclined surfaces 92 of the syringe port 16. Therotational stop surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 thatcooperate to prevent rotation as a luer connector is screwed onto thesyringe 12 include the one or more first surfaces 40 of the syringe 12and the one or more locking tabs 96 of the syringe port 16, as well asany frictional force between the one or more base surfaces 38 of thesyringe 12 and the one or more retention surfaces 64 of the syringe port16. The syringe clearance surface(s), which allow the syringe to fitinto the syringe port 16, include outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 onone radially adjacent side (left or right) of the lug 34 which clear thesidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, a connection interface 100 for loadingand removing the at least one syringe 12 from the at least one syringeport 16 of the injector 10 is shown in accordance with anotherembodiment. The syringe 12 and the injector 10 include the connectioninterface 100 having at least one syringe retaining member 32 providedon the syringe 12 and a corresponding locking mechanism 35 provided onthe syringe port 16 of the injector 10.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the syringe 12 generally has acylindrical syringe barrel 18 formed from glass or a suitablemedical-grade plastic. The barrel 18 has a proximal end 20 and a distalend 24, with a substantially cylindrical sidewall 19 (shown in FIG. 3B)extending therebetween along a length of a longitudinal axis 15extending through a center of the barrel 18. A nozzle 22 extends fromthe distal end 24 of the barrel 18. The barrel 18 has an outer surface21 and an inner surface 23 (shown in FIG. 3B) that defines an interiorvolume 25 (shown in FIG. 3B) configured for receiving a medical fluidtherein.

A drip flange 36 may optionally extend radially outward from the outersurface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 relative to the longitudinal axis15. The drip flange 36 may extend around at least a portion of the outercircumference of the barrel 18. In one embodiment, the drip flange 36 ispositioned distally along the longitudinal axis 15 relative to thesyringe retaining member 32. The drip flange 36 may be configured toprevent fluid that drips from the nozzle 22 from entering the syringeport 16 on the injector 10. In this manner, the drip flange 36 helpsreduce the amount of fluid that may enter the syringe port 16 and jam orinterfere with the connection interface 100 and/or the interiormechanics and electronics of the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A). In someembodiments, the drip flange 36 defines a stop surface that delimits theinsertion section 30 of the syringe 12. The drip flange 36 may be formedintegrally with the barrel 18 or it may be affixed or otherwise securedto the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 using, for example, africtional fit and/or an adhesive. In other embodiments, the drip flange36 may be formed on the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 by etching,laser cutting, machining, or molding.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the proximal end 20 of thesyringe 12 is sized and adapted to be inserted in the syringe port 16 ofthe injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the proximalend 20 of the syringe 12 defines an insertion section 30 that isconfigured to be removably inserted into the syringe port 16 of theinjector 10 while the remaining portion of the syringe 12 remainsoutside of the syringe port 16. One or more syringe retaining members 32are provided on or near the proximal end 20 of the syringe barrel 18 asdescribed herein, for forming a locking engagement with a correspondinglocking mechanism 35 in the syringe port 16 according to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 3A-3B. For example, the one or more syringe retainingmember 32 may be provided on an outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel18. The syringe retaining member 32 may be formed integrally with thebarrel 18 or it may be affixed or otherwise secured to the outer surface21 of the barrel 18 using, for example, a frictional fit, welding,and/or an adhesive. In other embodiments, the syringe retaining member32 may be formed on the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 by etching,laser cutting, machining, or molding. The combination of the syringe 12having the one or more syringe retaining members 32 and the lockingmechanism 35 of the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A) defines a connectioninterface for loading and unloading of the syringe 12 to and from theinjector 10. In some embodiments, the one or more syringe retainingmembers 32 cooperate with at least a portion of the locking mechanism 35to self-orient the syringe 12 relative to the syringe port 16 such thatthe syringe 12 may be releasably locked with the syringe port 16.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the at least one syringeretaining member 32 is formed as one or more first lugs 34 andoptionally one or more second lugs 37 that protrude radially outwardlyfrom the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 relative to thelongitudinal axis 15. The one or more first lugs 34 and/or one or moresecond lugs 37 protrude radially outwardly from the outer surface 21 ofthe barrel 18 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outersurface 21. In embodiments where more than two first and/or second lugs34, 37 are provided, the first and second lugs 34, 37 may be evenly orunevenly spaced apart in a radial direction about an outer circumferenceof the barrel 18. In such embodiments, the first and second lugs 34, 37are separated from each other by portions of the outer surface 21 of thebarrel 18. Together, each first or second lug 34, 37 and the outersurface 21 of the barrel 18 on one radially adjacent side (left orright) of the first or second lug 34, 37 define the syringe retainingmember 32. In some embodiments, a plurality of first and/or second lugs34, 37 may be clustered and separated radially about the circumferenceof the barrel 18 from one or more adjacent clusters of first or secondlugs 34, 37. For example, in an embodiment with six syringe retainingmembers 32 having equal angular separation therebetween, each syringeretaining member 32 extends over 60 degrees and is therefore separatedby 60 degrees from the syringe retaining member 32 adjacent on eitherside. In such an embodiment, each first or second lug 34, 37 may extendover 30 degrees of the circumference of the barrel 18, while the portionof the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 that defines the remainder ofthe syringe retaining member 32 extends over the remaining 30 degrees ofthe circumference. In other embodiments, each first or second lug 34, 37may extend over more than 30 degrees or less than 30 degrees of thecircumference of the barrel 18. In some embodiments, the syringeretaining members 32 may have unequal angular extension and/or unequalangular spacing between the syringe retaining members 32 about the outercircumference of the barrel 18. The one or more first lugs 34 are offsetlongitudinally along the longitudinal axis 15 relative to the one ormore second lugs 37. In one embodiment, the one or more first lugs 34are positioned closer to the proximal end 20 than the one or more secondlugs 37. In other embodiments, one or more first lugs 34 are alignedlongitudinally with the one or more second lugs 37 along thelongitudinal axis 15 such that at least a portion of the one or morefirst lugs 34 is at a same longitudinal distance from the proximal end20 as at least a portion of the one or more second lugs 37. In anembodiment in which one or more lugs 34 or 37 are absent, thecorresponding retaining member 32 may be defined as the clearancesurface(s), which is the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 betweenadjacent lugs 34, 37. While embodiments having each syringe retainingmember 32 extending over 60 degrees are exemplified in the attacheddrawings, syringes with retaining members 32 having other angles ofseparation, for example 360/x degrees where x is value from 1 and 36,are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3A, each of the one or more first lugs34 may have a generally triangular, polygonal, or arrowhead shape oralternatively may be shaped according to FIGS. 5A-Z or 10A-H. Each ofthe one or more first lugs 34 has a base surface 38 that may besubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 of the barrel18. In some embodiments, the base surface 38 may be angled relative tothe direction of the longitudinal axis 15 in a radial cross-sectionalplane. In other embodiments, the base surface 38 may be angled relativeto the direction of the longitudinal axis 15 as it extends around theouter circumference of the barrel 18 in a radial cross-sectional plane.The base surface 38 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the base surface 38 may have aplurality of individual sections that together define the base surface38. The plurality of individual sections of the base surface 38 maydefine a surface that may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or acombination thereof.

In certain embodiments, at least one first surface 40 may extend on oneend of the base surface 38 in a direction substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis 15. In some embodiments, at least one first surface 40may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in aproximal or a distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15. The axialtapering of the at least one first surface 40 relative to thelongitudinal axis 15 may be defined as an angle of inclination of thefirst surface 40 in a cylindrical plan projection view in a directionfrom the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20. The at least onefirst surface 40 may be directly connected with the base surface 38. Insome embodiments, at least one first surface 40 may be disconnected fromthe base surface 38. The at least one first surface 40 may be planar,segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the at least one first surface 40 may have a plurality ofindividual sections that together define the at least one first surface40. The plurality of individual sections of the at least one firstsurface 40 may define a surface that may be planar, segmented, arcuate,curved, or a combination thereof.

An additional first surface 40′ may extend on one end of the basesurface 38 opposite the first surface 40 in a direction substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis 15. In some embodiments, theadditional first surface 40′ may be tapered axially relative to thelongitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or a distal direction of thelongitudinal axis 15. The axial tapering of the additional first surface40′ relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as an angle ofinclination of the first surface 40 in a cylindrical plan projectionview in a direction from the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20.The additional first surface 40′ may be directly connected with the basesurface 38. In some embodiments, the additional first surface 40′ may bedisconnected from the base surface 38. The additional first surface 40′may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the additional first surface 40′ may have a pluralityof individual sections that together define the additional first surface40′. The plurality of individual sections of the additional firstsurface 40′ may define a surface that may be planar, segmented, arcuate,curved, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, at least one second surface 42 extends from one endof the additional first surface 40′ to the end of the first surface 40.The at least one second surface 42 may be tapered axially relative tothe longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or a distal direction of thelongitudinal axis 15. In some embodiments, at least one second surface42 may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in aproximal direction. The axial tapering of the at least one secondsurface 42 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as anangle of inclination of the at least one second surface 42 in acylindrical plan projection view in a direction from the distal end 24toward the proximal end 20. The at least one second surface 42 and theat least one first surface 40 may join together at a rounded or a sharppoint 44. The at least one second surface 42 may be directly connectedwith at least one of the first surfaces 40 at the point 44. In someembodiments, at least one second surface 42 may be disconnected from atleast one of the first surfaces 40 at the point 44. In some embodiments,the point 44 may be disconnected from the at least one second surface 42and the first surface 40. The at least one second surface 42 may beplanar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the at least one second surface 42 may have a plurality ofindividual sections that together define the at least one second surface42. The plurality of individual sections of the at least one secondsurface 42 may define a surface that may be planar, segmented, arcuate,curved, or a combination thereof.

The base surface 38 and the first, the additional first, and secondsurfaces 40, 40′, 42 define a top surface 46 of each of the one or morefirst lugs 34. In some embodiments, the top surface 46 may be shaped tocorrespond to the curvature of the syringe barrel 18. In otherembodiments, the top surface 46 of one or more of the lugs 34 may beangled relative to the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 suchthat a first end of the top surface 46 is higher than a second end ofthe top surface 46 relative to the syringe barrel 18. The top surface 46may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may be comprised of aplurality of separate surfaces that together define the top surface 46.The top surface 46 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or acombination thereof.

Each of the one or more second lugs 37 may be formed as a projectionthat extends radially outward from the outer surface 21 of the barrel18. The one or more second lugs 37 optionally have an inclined releasemember 104 that extends from the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 tothe top surface 106 of the at least one second lug 37 in a direction ofthe circumference of the barrel 18. If present, the inclined releasemember 104 may facilitate the molding of the syringe 12 in a simple twopart mold. In some embodiments, the top surface 106 may be shaped tocorrespond to the curvature of the syringe barrel 18. In otherembodiments, the top surface 106 may be angled relative to the outersurface 21 of the syringe barrel 18. The top surface 106 may becontinuous and uninterrupted, or it may be comprised of a plurality ofseparate surfaces that together define the top surface 106. The topsurface 106 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, or a combinationthereof. The release member 104 may be configured to engage a thirdretaining ring 108 to release the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16,as described herein.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3A, the at least one syringe port 16of the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A) has a locking mechanism 35configured to operatively engage the at least one syringe retainingmember 32 of the syringe 12. The locking mechanism 35 includes a housing70 having a substantially circular shape with a central opening 71configured to receive the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12. The housing70 may be formed as part of the housing 14 of the injector 10 (shown inFIG. 1A) or as a fitted attachment of the housing 14 of the injector 10.A first retaining ring 48 is secured to a distal end of the housing 70such that the central opening 71 of the housing 70 is aligned with acentral opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48. The first retainingring 48 has a body 72 having a radially extending flange 74. At least aportion of the body 72 extends away from the flange 74 in a proximaldirection. When installed on the housing 70, the flange 74 engages a topportion of the housing 70 and is secured by one or more fasteners (notshown) extending through one or more fastener openings 76. At least aportion of the body 72 of the first retaining ring 48 is inserted intothe central opening 71 of the housing 70. In other embodiments, thefirst retaining ring 48 may be secured to the housing 70 by othermechanical fastening arrangement, such as a clip or snap fit. Wheninstalled on the housing 70, the central axis 59 of the first retainingring 48 is coaxial with a central axis of the housing 70.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3A, an inner portion of a sidewall 58within the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 has one ormore first recesses 60 that are configured to receive the one or morefirst lugs 34 of the syringe 12 when the insertion section 30 of thesyringe 12 is inserted through the central opening 50 of the firstretaining ring 48. The one or more first recesses 60 may be evenlyspaced about the inner circumference of the sidewall 58. In suchembodiments, the first recesses 60 are separated from each other byportions of the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48. Together,each first recess 60 and the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the first recess 60define a clearance space 63 for receiving the syringe retaining member32 on the syringe 12. The first recess 60 of each clearance space 63 maybe configured to receive at least one first lug 34 or the second lug 37of the syringe retaining member 32, while the sidewall 58 of the firstretaining ring 48 may be configured to receive a portion of the sidewall19 of the barrel 18 when the syringe retaining member 32 is insertedinto the clearance space 63. For example, in an embodiment where thefirst retaining ring 48 has six clearance spaces 63 equally separatedabout the circumference of the first retaining ring 48, each clearancespace 63 is separated 60 degrees apart from the clearance spaces 63adjacent on either side. In such embodiments, each first recesses 60 mayextend over 30 degrees of the circumference of the first retaining ring48 while the portion of the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48that defines the remainder of the clearance space 63 extends over theremaining 30 degrees of the circumference. In other embodiments, thefirst retaining ring 48 may include 1-5 or 7-12 or more clearance spaces63 wherein each first recess 60 may extend over more than 30 degrees orless than 30 degrees of the circumference of the sidewall 58 of thefirst retaining ring 48. In some embodiments, the number of first andsecond lugs 34, 37 on the syringe 12 corresponds to the number of firstrecesses 60 on the retaining ring 48. In other embodiments, the numberof first and second lugs 34, 37 on the syringe 12 is smaller than thenumber of first recesses 60 on the retaining ring 48. In suchembodiments, the first and second lugs 34, 37 on the syringe 12 arespaced apart along an outer circumference of the syringe barrel 18 suchthat each first or second lug 34, 37 can be aligned with a correspondingfirst recess 60 on the retaining ring 48. In other embodiments, thenumber of first and second lugs 34, 37 on the syringe 12 is higher thanthe number of first recesses 60 on the retaining ring 48 such that morethan one first and second lugs 34, 37 may be received within at leastone first recess 60. For example, the first or second lug 34, 37 may beformed as a collection of lugs, either in one lug position or spreadover two or more lug positions which operate together to perform one ormore of the functions herein attributed to the first or second lugs 34,37 or any surface thereof.

Each of the one or more first recesses 60 extends radially outward intothe inner portion of the sidewall 58 relative to the central axis 59.The lateral surfaces of each first recess 60 define a travel path forguiding the movement of the first and second lugs 34, 37 in and out ofthe first recess 60 as the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 isinserted into and out of the first retaining ring 48. Each first recess60 extends substantially parallel along a direction of the central axis59. In some embodiments, each first recess 60 may have one or moreguiding surfaces 62 that guide the first and second lugs 34, 37 intoself-alignment with the first recesses 60 such that the first and secondlugs 34, 37 can be inserted into the first recesses 60 and self-alignthe syringe 12 within syringe port 16 without any guidance or effort bythe technician. The guiding surfaces 62 may be inclined to toward anopening of the first recess 60 to guide the movement of the first andsecond lugs 34, 37. In this manner, the one or more first and secondlugs 34, 37 which may be initially misaligned relative to thecorresponding one or more recesses 60 are brought in self-alignment withthe one or more recesses 60 by the one or more guiding surfaces 62.

With continued reference to the embodiment in FIG. 3A, the lockingmechanism 35 further includes a second retaining ring 78 having asubstantially annular shape with an inner sidewall 80. The secondretaining ring 78 is disposed within the central opening 71 of thehousing 70 between a proximal end of the body 72 of the first retainingring 48 and a bottom 82 of the housing 70. As detailed further herein,the second retaining ring 78 is rotationally movable and axially fixedrelative to the first retaining ring 48 and the housing 70. The secondretaining ring 78 has one or more second recesses 88. The one or moresecond recesses 88 are configured to receive the one or more first andsecond lugs 34, 37 of the syringe 12 when the insertion section 30 ofthe syringe 12 is inserted through the central opening 50 of the firstretaining ring 48. The one or more second recesses 88 are arrangedaround a circumference of the inner sidewall 80 of the second retainingring 78 such that the one or more second recesses 88 are aligned withthe one or more first recesses 60 on the first retaining ring 48. Forexample, in an embodiment where the first retaining ring 48 has sixfirst recesses 60, the second retaining ring 78 may also have six secondrecesses 88 separated 60 degrees apart each other. The rotationalmovement of the second retaining ring 48 may be guided and constrainedby one or more proximal pins 98′ and/or one or more elasticallyresilient members 102′ housed in one or more slots in housing 70.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the locking mechanism 35 mayfurther include a third retaining ring 108 having a substantiallyannular shape with an inner sidewall 110. The third retaining ring 108is disposed within the central opening 71 of the housing 70 between thefirst retaining ring 48 and the second retaining ring 78. As detailedfurther herein, the third retaining ring 108 is rotatable relative tothe first retaining ring 48, the second retaining ring 78, and thehousing 70, which are all fixed relative to each other. The thirdretaining ring 108 has one or more locking elements 112 disposed on atleast a portion of the inner sidewall 110. The one or more lockingelements 112 extend radially outward relative to the inner sidewall 110and are arranged in an alternating manner such that each locking element112 is separated by a third recess 114.

The one or more locking elements 112 have an inclined surface 116configured for selectively engaging the second surface 42 of the one ormore first lugs 34. The inclined surface 116 may be linear, segmented,curved, or a combination thereof.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the third retaining ring 108 isrotatably retained within the housing 70. At least one guide pin 98extends from the third retaining ring 108 and is received inside atleast one guide pin slot 101 (not shown) formed on one or both of thefirst and second retaining rings 48, 78. At least one elasticallyresilient member

102, such as a spring, is connected at one end to at least a portion ofthe third retaining ring 108 and to at least a portion of one or both ofthe first and second retaining rings 48, 78. In one embodiment, theelastically resilient member 102 may be connected at one end to the atleast one guide pin 98, while the opposing end of the elasticallyresilient member 102 may be connected to the at least one guide pin slot101. The at least one elastically resilient member 102 urges the thirdretaining ring 108 to a first position. By inserting the syringe 12 intothe syringe port 16 in a proximal direction, the opening surface, inthis embodiment the second surface 42 of one or more lugs 34, engagesthe one or more locking elements 112 to rotate the third retaining ring108 to a second position where the at least one third recess 114 isaligned with at least one first recess 60 and at least one second 88.Once the additional first surface 40′ on the first lug 34 clears theinclined surface 116 of the locking element 112, the third retainingring 108 rotates in the opposite direction back to its initial firstposition and locks the syringe 12 within the syringe port 16 where basesurface 38 is retained proximal to locking element 112, as describedherein. An audible and/or tactile feedback may be provided when thesyringe 12 is locked within the syringe port 16, for example by themovement of the third retaining ring 108 to the first position.

To insert the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16, the insertion section30 of the syringe 12 is urged into contact with the first retaining ring48, such as shown in FIG. 3D. If the first and second lugs 34, 37 areinitially misaligned relative the first recesses 60, the guidingsurfaces 65 guide the first and second lugs 34, 37 toward self-alignmentwith the first recesses 60 as the insertion section 30 is movedproximally relative to the first retaining ring 48. Continued proximalmovement of the syringe 12 relative the first retaining ring 48 causesthe first and second lugs 34, 37 to be guided within the first recesses60 until at least a portion of the second surface 42 of one or more ofthe first lugs 34 is brought into contact with the inclined surface 116of the one or more locking elements 112 of the third retaining ring 108.The inclined surface 116 is configured for engaging the second surface42 of the first lugs 34. As shown in FIG. 3D, continued proximalmovement of the syringe 12 relative the first retaining ring 48 causesthe first lugs 34 to act against the restoring force of the at least oneelastically resilient member 102 to rotate the third retaining ring 108from the first position shown in FIG. 3D to a second position shown inFIG. 3E. The one or more first lugs 34 may cause the third retainingring 108 to rotate in a first direction, such as a clockwise or acounterclockwise direction. As the third retaining ring 108 is rotatedduring a proximal movement of the syringe 12 within the syringe port 16,the one or more first lugs 34 and second lugs 37 are guided into thecorresponding one or more second recesses 88 until the base surface 38of all the first and second lugs 34, 37 clear the bottom portion of thethird retaining ring 108. Under the restoring action of the elasticallyresilient member 102, the third retaining ring 108 is rotated in asecond direction which is opposite to the first direction. Rotation ofthe third retaining ring 108 relative to the housing 70 causes thelocking elements 112 to be positioned over the one or more first andsecond lugs 34, 37 such that removal of the syringe 12 in the distaldirection is prevented.

To unlock the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16, the syringe 12 isrotated in a first direction around the longitudinal axis 15, as shownin FIG. 3F. The rotational movement of the syringe 12 causes the secondsurface 42 of the first lugs 34 to bear against the first inclinedsurface 90 of the second retaining ring 78 and rotate the secondretaining ring 78 against the force of its resilient member 102′ (shownin FIG. 2A). After a rotation, for example of approximately 30 degrees,the guide pin 98 on the second retaining ring 78 engages the thirdretaining ring 108 to cause it to also rotate in the first direction.After additional rotation, for example approximately another 30 degreesof rotation, the first and second lugs 34, 37 line up with the firstrecesses 60 of the first retaining ring 48, and the locking elements 112on the third retaining ring 108 move away to clear the space proximal tothe first recesses 60 such that the at least one first recesses 60 arealigned with the at least one third recess 114, as shown in FIG. 3G. Atthis point, the distally directed force component created by therotational movement of the second surface 42 of the first lugs 34against the first inclined surface 90 causes the syringe 12 to movedistally and eject from the syringe port 16, as shown in FIG. 3H. As thesyringe 12 is ejected from the syringe port 16, the restoring force ofthe elastically resilient members 102 and 102′ cause the third retainingring 108 and the second retaining ring 78 to return to their respectivefirst positions by rotating in a second direction in preparation for asubsequent insertion of a new syringe 12.

The operation of the locking mechanism 35 can be further discussed withreference to the retention surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port16 that cooperate to retain the syringe 12 in the syringe port 16 onceit is engaged are one or more base surfaces 38 and top surfaces 106 ofthe syringe 12 and the one or more surfaces of the locking elements 112of the syringe port 16. The guiding surfaces of the syringe 12 andsyringe port 16 that cooperate to self-align or automaticallyrotationally align the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 forinstallation are the one or more points 44 and/or second surfaces 42 ofthe syringe 12 and the one or more guiding surfaces 65 of the syringeport 16. The opening surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 thatcooperate to open the syringe port 16 for the installation of thesyringe 12 are the one or more second surfaces 42 of the syringe 12 andone or more of the inclined surfaces 116 of the syringe port 16. Thedetachment surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 that cooperateto disengage or remove the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16 are thesecond surfaces 42 of the syringe 16 and inclined surface 90 of thesyringe port 16. The ejection surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringeport 16 that cooperate to create a distally directed force to urgeejection of the syringe 12 from syringe port 16 are the second surfaces42 of the syringe 16 and inclined surfaces 90 of the syringe port 16.The rotational stop surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 thatcooperate to prevent rotation as a luer connector is screwed onto thesyringe 12 are the one or more first surfaces 40 and/or additional firstsurfaces 40′ of the syringe 12 and the one or more second recesses 88 ofthe syringe port 16, as well as any frictional force between the one ormore base surfaces 38 of the syringe 12 and the one or more lockingelements 112 of syringe port 16. The syringe clearance surface(s), whichallow the syringe to fit into the syringe port 16, are outer surface 21of the barrel 18 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of thelug 34 which clear the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48.

The embodiment of the syringe port 16 of FIGS. 3A-3H has been describedfrom the perspective that there are first recesses 60 cut into thesidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48. In another embodiment, thesidewall 58 can be considered to project from the cylindrical surfacedefined by the first recesses 60 of the first retaining ring 48. Each ofthese two configurations may be used to describe or be embodied in asingle embodiment.

While FIGS. 2A-3G illustrate several non-limiting embodiment of the atleast one syringe retaining member 32, various other shapes are alsocontemplated. For example, the one or more first lugs 34 and/or secondlugs 37 of the at least one syringe retaining member 32 may have agenerally circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or any otherpolygonal shape. Various features may be provided on the at least onesyringe retaining member 32 to help self-orient the syringe 12 relativeto the syringe port 16 or to releasably lock the syringe 12 with thesyringe port 16. In each embodiment, the at least one syringe retainingmember 32 is configured for forming a reversible locking engagement witha corresponding locking mechanism in the syringe port 16 of the injector10 for retaining the syringe 12 in the syringe port 16. Various othershapes for one or more lugs 34 of the at least one syringe retainingmember 32 are discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 4A-5Z and10A-10H.

FIGS. 4A-4L show cylindrical plan projection views of variousembodiments of the proximal end 20 of the at least one syringe 12 and acorresponding at least one syringe port 16 for receiving the proximalend 20 of the syringe 12. With reference to FIG. 4A, an embodiment ofthe proximal end 20 of the syringe 12, as generally illustrated in FIG.2A, is rotationally aligned as shown by the dotted lines for insertionof the syringe 12 into the distal end of the syringe port 16. From thisperspective, when self-aligned, the syringe retaining members 32,including the lugs 34 and the outer surface 21 of the barrel 18 locatedbetween the lugs 34 are configured to be received within the clearancespace 63 of the syringe port 16 to allow insertion of the syringe 12into the syringe port 16. Similarly, the outer surface 21 of the syringebarrel 18 clears the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48. One wayto measure or express the relationship between these elements is throughthe angle which they subtend on the outside of the syringe 12 and theinside of the syringe port 16. For example, in an embodiment with thesix fold symmetry of the syringe retaining members 32, each lug 34subtends a nominal angle of 30 degrees and each first recess 60similarly subtends 30 degrees, of course with an allowance for clearanceand tolerance so that the lug 34 can slide within the first recess 60.Because the one or more locking tabs 96 extend over a finite angularextent, the base surface 38 of the lug 34 may not be positionable fullyunder the retention surface 64. For example, if the lugs 34 and thefirst recesses 60 are both 30 degrees and locking tab 96 occupies anangle of 4 degrees, then the base surface 38 of the lug 34 will overlapwith the locking tab 96 over a surface of 26 degrees. To maximize theoverlap, the lug 34 can be reduced to 28 degrees and the recess 60 canbe increased in width to 32 degrees, including the 4 degrees of thelocking tab 96. Upon insertion, the entire width of the lug 34 may bepositioned under the retention surface 64 adjacent the locking tab 96.Each lug 34 is configured for being received within the first recess 60on the first retaining ring 48. The second surface 42 of each lug 34 maybe self-guided into alignment with the first recess 60 along the guidingsurface 65 to enable the insertion of the lug 34 into the first recess60. With reference to FIG. 4K, the second retaining ring 78 has firstlocking elements 84 and second locking elements 86 having asubstantially rectangular shape with a recess 91 provided in one of theupper corners. The recess 91 is configured for guiding the secondsurface 42 of the lugs 34 into the second recess 88 as the lugs 34 areinserted into the syringe port 16.

FIG. 4B shows another embodiment in which the number of lugs 34 issmaller than the number of recesses 60 on the syringe port 16. If one ormore lugs 34 are absent, the missing area is taken up by a larger areaof the outer surface 21 of the syringe 12. In some embodiments, at leasttwo lugs 34 are provided, adjacent to each other, spaced around thebarrel 18, or on opposite sides of the barrel 18, so that one of thelugs 34 will rotate against the corresponding locking tabs 96 for properengagement of the syringe 12 within the syringe port 16. Each lug 34 isconfigured for being received within the first recess 60 on the firstretaining ring 48. The second surface 42 of each lug 34 may be guidedinto alignment with the first recess 60 along the guiding surface 65 toenable the insertion of the lug 34 into the first recess 60.

FIG. 4C shows another embodiment in which the one or more locking tabs96 are formed on the top surface 38 of at least one of the lugs 34. Inother embodiments, the one or more locking tabs 96 may be formedseparately from the lugs 34. In other embodiments, locking tabs 96A maybe provided on both the at least one lugs 34 of syringe 12 and at leastone retaining member 58 of the syringe port 16.

FIG. 4D shows a cylindrical plan projection view of an embodiment of thesyringe 12 and syringe port 16 shown in FIGS. 3A-3E. FIG. 4E shows afurther embodiment in which some, but not all, of the first and secondlugs 34, 37 have been removed. In FIG. 4J, the locking elements 112 onthe third retaining ring 108 do not have the inclined surface 116 shownin FIGS. 4D-4E. Instead, a space SS is provided between the lockingelements 112 and the sidewall 58 for inserting the point 44 of the firstlugs 34. In each of these embodiments, at least one first lug 34 isprovided.

FIG. 4F shows another embodiment with eight fold symmetry. A benefit ofhigher symmetry arrangements is that a lower rotational angle of thesyringe 12 is necessary for installation and removal. For example, witheight fold symmetry, the rotation of the syringe 12 for removal andejection can be 22.5 degrees or less. The additional lugs also spreadthe holding or restraining force more evenly around the syringe barrel18. In other embodiments, the connection between the syringe 12 and thesyringe port 16 may have 8-fold, 10-fold, 12-fold, 16-fold, or any othersymmetry.

With reference to FIG. 4G, the lugs 34 have a generally triangular shapewith a pair of second surfaces 42 tapering axially to a point 44. Thesecond surfaces 42 are configured to engage the guiding surfaces 65 onthe first retaining ring 48 to self-guide the lugs 34 into the firstrecess 60. The second retaining ring 78 has second recesses 88 shapedcorrespondingly to receive the lugs 34. At least some of the firstlocking elements 84 have a ramp 89 to guide the lugs 34 toward thesecond recess 88 as the syringe 12 is inserted proximally within thesyringe port 16. In FIG. 4H, the lugs 34 have a triangular shape with atleast one surface that is substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis 15 (shown in FIG. 3A). The second retaining ring 78 has secondrecesses 88 shaped correspondingly to receive the lugs 34. In FIG. 41,the lugs 34 have an integral locking tab 96.

FIGS. 5A-5Z illustrate various embodiments of the lug 34. FIG. 5A showsan example lug 34 having the configuration described herein withreference to FIGS. 2A-2D, while FIG. 5B illustrates an outline of thelug 34 with a dotted line indicating each of the surfaces of the lug 34.

FIG. 5C shows an example of a lug 34 c in which the center section 612has at least one radially inwardly recessed hollow portion and the lug34 c is defined by perimeter surfaces. In some embodiments, the centersection 612 may have a thickness that corresponds to the thickness ofthe syringe barrel 18 (shown in FIG. 3A). In other embodiments, thecenter section 612 may have a thickness that is greater or less than thethickness of the syringe barrel 18 (shown in FIG. 3A). In someembodiments, the hollow center section 612 extends only through aportion of the sidewall thickness of the syringe barrel 18. Theperimeter surfaces may be connected together or have one or more gaptherebetween. One benefit of having at least one radially inwardlyrecessed hollow center section 612 is that sinking of the plasticmaterial can be reduced or eliminated as the material cools duringmolding. With reference to FIG. 5D, one or more reinforcing members 614may be provided in the center section 612. The one or more reinforcingmembers 614 may be connected to or separated from the perimeter surfacesof the lug 34D. In cases where the retention force needs to be high andthus there is significant stress on the surface of the lug 34D, thepresence of additional material or reinforcing members, for example oneor more reinforcing members 614, can allow the lug 34D to operate undersuch higher forces. FIG. 5E shows a lug 34E in which a plurality ofradially inwardly recessed hollow portions 612″ are provided. In someembodiments, the voids 612″ may have a substantially circular shape;however, various other shapes may be readily implemented.

FIG. 5F illustrates a lug 34F in which the second surfaces 42 are notphysical surfaces but are virtual surfaces defined by the dashed linesextending between points 620 and 622. These virtual surfaces taperaxially in a manner described herein with reference to the first andsecond surfaces 40, 42 on the lug 34 shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

According to certain embodiments, lug 34 may be a combination of aplurality of lugs that together form the surfaces of lug 34 which can bea combination of physical surfaces and/or virtual surfaces. FIG. 5Gshows an embodiment where the lug 34G is an assembly of a plurality oflugs 34G-1 to 34G-5. As shown with the dotted lines in FIG. 5G, thefunctional surfaces of the lug 34G are defined by the interaction of twoor more of the lugs 34G-1 to 34G-5. The second surfaces 42 are notphysical surfaces but are virtual surfaces defined by the dashed linesextending between 34G-1 and 34G-2 and between 34G-4 and 34G-5. Thesevirtual surfaces taper axially in a manner described herein withreference to the first and second surfaces 40, 42 on the lug 34 shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 5H shows a lug 34H having a pair of lugs 34H-1 and 34H-4. In theembodiment of FIG. 5H, the base surface 38 and the first surfaces 40 areformed on the lug 34H-1, while point 44 is a surface of lug 34H-2. Thesecond surfaces 42 are virtual surfaces formed between the two lugs34H-1 and 34H-2. These virtual surfaces taper axially in a mannerdescribed herein with reference to the first and second surfaces 40, 42on the lug 34 shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5I shows a lug 34I having four lugs 34I-1 to 34I-2. In theembodiment of FIG. 5I, the base surface 38 is formed on the lug 34I-1,while point 44 is a surface of lug 34I-3. The first surfaces 40 arevirtual surfaces formed between 34I-1 and 34I-2, and between 34I-2 and34I-4. The second surfaces 42 are virtual surfaces formed between 34I-2and 34I-3, and between 34I-3 and 34I-4. These virtual surfaces taperaxially in a manner described herein with reference to the first andsecond surfaces 40, 42 on the lug 34 shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5J shows a lug 34J having a T-shaped central lug 34J-1 and a pairof lateral lugs 34J-2 and 34J-3. In the embodiment of FIG. 5J, the basesurface 38 is formed on the top surface of the lug 34J-1, while point 44is on the bottom surface of the lug 34J-1. The first surfaces 40 arevirtual surfaces formed between a top portion of 34J-1 and 34J-2, andbetween the top portion of 34J-1 and 34J-3. The second surfaces 42 arevirtual surfaces formed between a bottom portion of 34J-1 and 34J-2, andbetween the bottom portion of 34J-1 and 34J-3. FIG. 5W shows a T-shapedlug 34W without the pair of lateral lugs shown in FIG. 5J. In FIG. 5W,the second surfaces 42 are virtual surfaces formed between the topportion of lug 34W and the bottom portion at the point 44. These virtualsurfaces taper axially in a manner described herein with reference tothe first and second surfaces 40, 42 on the lug 34 shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5K shows a lug 34K having an upper lug 34K-1 and a lower lug 34K-2.In the embodiment of FIG. 5K, the base surface 38 is formed on the topsurface of the lug 34K-1, while point 44 is represented by the lug34K-2. A pair of first surfaces 40 extends along lateral portions of34K-1 and 34K-2. The second surfaces 42 are virtual surfaces formedbetween a terminal portion of the first surfaces 40 and 34K-2. Thesevirtual surfaces taper axially in a manner described herein withreference to the first and second surfaces 40, 42 on the lug 34 shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 5L shows a lug 34L having a shape similar to the shape of lug 34Cdescribed herein with reference to FIG. 5C. Lug 34L further has anintegrated locking tab 96 a extending from a portion of the base surface38.

FIG. 5M shows a lug 34M having a substantially linear base surface 38and curved first and second surfaces 40, 42. The first and secondsurfaces 40, 42 may be curved to have a substantially elliptical form.The first and second surfaces 40, 42 taper axially in a curvilinear formto point 44. FIG. 5N shows a lug 34N having a shape similar to that oflug 34M shown in FIG. 5M. The lug 34N is formed from an upper lug 34N-1and a lower lug 34N-2. The upper lug 34N-1 defines a substantiallylinear base surface 38, while the lower lug 34N-2 is spaced apart fromthe upper lug 34N-1 by a gap and has a substantially curved shape thattapers axially inwardly along the second surfaces 42.

FIGS. 5O-5P show lugs 34O, 34P having a shape similar to the shape oflug 34C described herein with reference to FIG. 5C. Lugs 34O, 34P haveat least one of the first or second surfaces 40, 42 removed such thatlugs 34O, 34P have a discontinuous outline with at least one virtualsecond surface 42O extending between the point 44 and the first surface40. This virtual second surface 42O tapers axially in a manner describedherein with reference to the first and second surfaces 40, 42 on the lug34 shown in FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 5Q shows a lug 34Q formed from three circular lugs 34Q-1 to 34Q-3.The circular lugs 34Q-1 to 34Q-3 are positioned such that virtualsurfaces are defined therebetween. In particular, a pair of secondvirtual surfaces is defined by the pair of upper circular lugs 34Q-2 and34Q-3 and the lower circular lug 34Q-1. The lugs 34Q-1 to 34Q-3 may haveany other shape, such as oval, square, triangular, rhomboid, or otherpolygonal shape. Each virtual second surface 42 tapers axially in amanner described herein with reference to the first and second surfaces40, 42 on the lug 34 shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 5R shows a lug 34R having ashape formed from two circular lugs 34R-1 to 34R-2 with a single virtualsecond surface 42 defined therebetween. The lugs 34R-1 to 34R-2 may haveany other shape, such as oval, square, triangular, rhomboid, or otherpolygonal shape. FIG. 5Y shows a lug 34Y formed from three circular lugs34Y-1 to 34Y-3 where the upper pair of lugs 34Y-1 and 34Y-2 is closeraxially to the lower lug 34Y-3 than in the lug embodiment 34Q describedwith reference to FIG. 5Q. In FIG. 5Z, the lower lug 34Z-3 of lug 34Z isrepresented as a rectangular element rather than a circular element.

With reference to FIGS. 5S(1)-5S(3), a pair of lugs 34SA and 34SB isprovided on separate lugs 34 separated by the outer surface 21 of thebarrel 18. On the first lug 34SA, a single lug 34S-1 is provided in anupper corner, for example the upper right corner of the outline of lug34 where a virtual base surface 38 is joined with a virtual firstsurface 40. The first lug 34SA is configured to engage the locking tab96 provided on the first retaining ring 48 of the locking mechanism 35when the syringe 12 is inserted into the syringe port 16 (as shown incylindrical plan projection FIG. 5S(3)). The second lug 34SB is formedas a single lug 34S-2 located at the point 44. The second lug 34SB isconfigured to self-orient and guide the syringe 12 into the syringe port16 by engaging the guiding surface 65 on the first retaining ring 48.The lugs 34S-1 and 34S-2 may have a circular, oval, triangular, square,rectangular, or other polygonal shape.

With reference to FIG. 5T, the lug 34T is formed as a rectangular secondsurface 42 that tapers axially from the base surface 38 to the point 44.This second surface 42 tapers axially in a manner described herein withreference to the first and second surfaces 40, 42 on the lug 34 shown inFIG. 2A.

With reference to FIG. 5U, the lug 34U is shaped as a square lug havingtwo sides aligned along the direction of tapered second surfaces 42.FIG. 5V shows a triangular lug 34V having two sides aligned along thedirection of tapered second surfaces 42. In other embodiments, lug 34Vmay include at least one second lug defining the base surface 38. Thesecond surfaces 42 in FIGS. 5T-5V taper axially in a manner describedherein with reference to the first and second surfaces 40, 42 on the lug34 shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5X shows a lug 34X having a plurality of parallel elements spacedapart horizontally relative to a vertical axis. A virtual second surface42 is defined between at least two adjacent parallel elements. Thesecond surface 42 in FIG. 5X tapers axially in a manner described hereinwith reference to the first and second surfaces 40, 42 on the lug 34shown in

FIG. 2A. Some embodiments of syringe 12 may include various combinationsof any of lugs 34A through 34X and/or 10A through 10H in the at leastone syringe retaining members 32.

With reference to FIG. 6A, a coupling 130, including a mounting membertherefor, can be fabricated to be separate from and attachable to thesyringe barrel 18. The coupling 130 can, for example, be configured toaccept the syringe 12 having at least one syringe retaining member 32described herein and to adapt the syringe 12 for use with a fluidinjector having a syringe port with a locking mechanism not configuredto receive the at least one syringe retaining member 32. For example,the coupling 130 can adapt the syringe 12 for use with the fluidinjector described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858 or U.S. Pat. No.6,652,489, or any other fluid injector. In some embodiments, thecoupling 130 is releasably connectable to the injector. In otherembodiments, the coupling 130 may be inserted into and retained in alocking mechanism of the fluid injector. The coupling 130 may also bereleasably connected or attached to the syringe 12 independently of theattachment of the coupling to the injector.

With reference to FIG. 6A, the coupling 130 has a first portion 132configured for receiving a syringe 12 having at least one syringeretaining member 32, according to an embodiment described herein, and asecond portion 134 configured for loading into an injector having asyringe port which is not configured to receive the syringe 12 having atleast one syringe retaining member 32 according to an embodimentdescribed herein. The first portion 132 may be directly connected andmonolithically formed with the second portion 134. In some embodiments,the first portion 132 may be releasably connected to the second portion134 such that various second portions (shown in FIGS. 7A-7B) may be usedwith the first portion 132. With continued reference to FIG. 6A, thefirst portion 132 has a locking mechanism 35 described herein withreference to FIGS. 2A-2D. In other embodiments, the first portion 132may have a locking mechanism 35 described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3H.In various embodiments, the first portion 132 of the coupling 130 isconfigured for releasably receiving the syringe 12 having acorresponding at least one syringe retaining member 32, as describedherein. With reference to FIGS. 7A-7B, the second portion 134 of thecoupling 130 may have a connection interface configured for connectingwith an injector that would otherwise not be capable of receiving thesyringe 12 having a syringe retaining member 32 described herein. FIG.7A shows the second portion 134 configured for use with an engagementmechanism of the injector described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858, whileFIG. 7B shows the second portion 134 configured for use with anengagement mechanism of the injector described in U.S. Pat. No.6,652,489. The second portion 134 may be configured to interface withvarious other injectors not expressly described herein. In someembodiments, the coupling 130 may have a separate mechanism for engagingand disengaging the coupling 130 to and from a locking mechanism of theinjector.

With reference to FIG. 6B, an adapter 230 may be configured to receive asyringe S not having one or more syringe retaining members 32 describedherein for removably connecting with an injector having the lockingmechanism 35 in accordance with one of the embodiments described herein.In various embodiments, the adapter 230 may be configured for connectingto a syringe S for subsequent installation on an injector. For example,the adapter 230 may be connected to the non-compatible syringe Sreleasably or permanently. Such an adapter 230 may have a connectioninterface having at least one engagement member 32 in accordance withembodiments described herein. The adapter 230 may be configured forbeing releasably connectable with an injector having a locking mechanism35 described herein. The adapter 230 and the syringe S may be connectedprior to connecting to the injector, or the adapter 230 may be connectedto the injector before the syringe S is connected to the adapter 230.The adapter 230 and syringe S may be removed from the injector afteruse, with the adapter 230 being disposed of with the syringe S, or beingremoved from the used syringe S and saved for subsequent use with adifferent syringe S.

In one embodiment, a first portion 232 of the adapter 230 may beconfigured for permanently or releasably receiving the syringe S, whichis not compatible for use with any of the locking mechanisms 35described herein. In some embodiments, the syringe S may be the syringedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,489, or anyother syringe type. The adapter 230 allows the non-compatible syringe Sto engage and be retained by the locking mechanisms 35 described herein.In some embodiments, the adapter 230 may have a separate mechanism forengaging and disengaging the syringe S while the adapter 230 remainsconnected to the locking mechanism 35 of the injector 10. The firstportion 232 may also be a cradle or sleeve to hold or retain othersyringes S, for example hand held syringes or syringes having differentretention mechanisms or features and allowing them to engage and beretained by locking mechanisms 35. A second portion 234 of the adapter230 may have at least one syringe retaining member 32 in accordance withembodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the at least onesyringe retaining member 32 may have one or more lugs 34 describedherein with reference to FIGS. 2A-5Z and 10A-10H. The second portion 234of the adapter 230 may be configured for being releasably connectablewith an injector having a locking mechanism 35 described herein. In thismanner, various non-compatible syringes S may be used with an injectorhaving a locking mechanism 35 described herein. In various embodiments,the adapter 230 may be configured for connecting a pressure jacket (notshown) to the injector for use in injection procedures requiring highpressure. For example, the adapter 230 having the pressure jacket may beconfigured for being releasably connectable with an injector. Such anadapter 230 may have a connection interface having at least one syringeretaining member 32 in accordance with one of the embodiments describedherein or alternatively have a connection interface that allowsnon-compatible syringes to be used with the injector. The adapter 230may be configured for being releasably, permanently, or semi-permanentlyconnectable with an injector having a locking mechanism 35 describedherein and allowing syringes S having alternate retaining mechanisms tobe used with the injector. Once connected with the injector, the syringeS may be loaded into the adapter 230 or the pressure jacket and beretained therein at its proximal or distal end.

In various embodiments, an adapter 230 may be configured for connectinga syringe 12 having some but not all of the features necessary forsubsequent installation into an injector 10 described herein. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 4L, an adapter 320 may be a ring 300that provides surfaces 42 and 44 and mates with a syringe that has oneor more lugs with at least a base surface 38 for retention withinlocking mechanism 35. According to this embodiment, the ring 300 may beinserted in syringe port 16 and remain therein for use with subsequentsyringes. The adapter 320 allows a syringe which could not by itselfmate or function fully with the syringe port 16 to mate and at leastperform the retention function with the locking mechanism 35. FIG. 4Mshows another embodiment of an adapter 320 having a ring withprominences 340 that extend distally out of the syringe port 16. Theseprominences 340 can be combined or connected, for example to form a ringextending radially outward from the syringe port 16. By rotating theadapter 320, the syringe 12 and the adapter 320 may be released from thesyringe port 16. Similarly upon insertion, to the adapter 320 may bepushed proximally for engagement with the syringe 12.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a generalized free body diagram of forcespresent during ejection of the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16. Anormal force N1 and a frictional force F1 of the lug 34 act against thefirst locking element 84, and a normal force N2 and a frictional forceF2 of the lug 34 act on the retention surface of sidewall 58 as well asthe force T applied by the user to rotate the syringe 12 and any force Durging the syringe 12 distally provided by the drip flange or othermeans. In some embodiments, the syringe 12 may be made from apolyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, while the first lockingelement 84 may be made from a polyoxymethylene (POM) material, such asDELRIN™. The coefficient of friction μ of DELRIN™ on another DELRIN™surface is approximately 0.4. Using this value, a practical limit of theangle A to enable ejection is approximately 20 degrees relative to adirection of the longitudinal axis 15 of the syringe 12. Thus for anglesgreater than 20 degrees, there will be slip and upon sufficient motionfor the lugs 34 to clear the projections, the syringe 12 will be ejectedand pop distally in the syringe port (FIG. 8B). FIG. 8C shows that theratio of the force T to rotate the syringe 12 to the restoring force Sof the resilient member 102 increases as the angle A increases. Theratio remains substantially constant as the angle increases for lowangle values, but then increases significantly at higher angles. In someexamples, an angle of at least 30 degrees and less than approximately 60degrees may be used.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of a generalized free body diagram of forcesacting at the interface during the insertion of the syringe 12 into thesyringe port 16. The one or more lugs 34 interact with the one or morefirst locking elements 84 due to a lateral force P provided by the user.During the rotation, the one or more lugs 34 are in sliding contact withthe sidewall 58. In addition, the second retaining ring (not shown)slides over the bottom surface 82 of the housing. Performing a staticforce analysis on this generalized interaction provides an estimate ofthe force for insertion as a function of the angle A of the interactionof the two surfaces for various coefficients of friction μ between thesurfaces, as shown in FIG. 9B.

FIGS. 10A-10H, illustrate various embodiments of the lug 34 for use withvarious embodiments of the locking mechanisms 35 described herein. FIG.10A shows an example lug 34AA having the configuration described hereinwith reference to FIGS. 3A-3H, while FIG. 10B illustrates an outline ofthe lug 34BB with a dotted line indicating each of the surfaces of thelug 34. FIG. 10C shows an example of a lug 34CC in which the centersection 612 includes at least one radially inwardly recessed hollowportion and the lug 34CC is defined by perimeter surfaces. In someembodiments, the center section 612 may have a thickness thatcorresponds to the thickness of the syringe barrel 18 (shown in FIG.3A). In other embodiments, the center section 612 may have a thicknessthat is greater or less than the thickness of the syringe barrel 18(shown in FIG. 3A). The perimeter surfaces may be connected together orhave one or more gap therebetween. One benefit of having at least oneradially inwardly recessed hollow center section 612 is that sinking ofthe plastic material can be reduced or eliminated as the material coolsduring molding. With reference to FIG. 10D, one or more reinforcingmembers 614 may be provided in the center section 612, which has twoperipheral gaps as mentioned above. The one or more reinforcing members614 may be connected to or separated from the perimeter surfaces of thelug 34DD. In cases where the retention force needs to be high and thusthere is significant stress on the surface of the lug 34DD, the presenceof additional material or reinforcing members, for example one or morereinforcing members 614, can allow the lug 34EE to operate under suchhigher forces. FIG. 10E shows a lug 34EE having a single vertical orlongitudinal member, for example defining surface 40, point 44, and basesurface 38. FIG. 10F shows a lug 34FF having two generally rounded lugs,for example defining surface 40, point 44, and base surface 38. FIG. 10Gshows a lug 34GG having one rounded lug. The bottom of lug 34GG definesthe point 44 and the top defines the base surface 38. FIG. 10H shows alug 34HH assembled from three generally vertical and parallel lugs withan even top surface which form the base surface 38 and tapered bottomsurface. It should be noted that one or more variations of the lugs 34shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 or other variations are within the scope of thisdisclosure can operate with one or more variations of the syringe ports16 that are within the scope of this disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 1B, a system may be provided to transmitinformation from the syringe 12 to the injector 10 (shown in FIG. 1A).In one embodiment, the syringe 12 may be provided with one or moreencoding devices 49 for example, on one or more of the syringe retainingmembers 32. In other embodiments, the one or more encoding devices 49may be provided on the outer surface 21 (shown in FIG. 1B), the innersurface 23 (shown in FIG. 1B), within at least a portion of the sidewall19 (shown in FIG. 1B) of the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12, or onthe plunger 26. In some embodiments, the encoding device 49 may be anoptically readable member, such as a barcode, while in otherembodiments, the encoding device 49 may be an RFID tag, near-fieldcommunication device, or any other suitable encoding device. A pluralityof encoding devices 49 may be disposed around an inner or outercircumference of the syringe 12 and/or the plunger 26. At least onesensor 51 (shown in FIG. 2A) may be provided on the syringe port 16 toread the encoding device 49. In some embodiments, the at least onesensor 51 may be provided on at least one second recess 88. Examples ofinformation which could be encoded on encoding device 49 include,without limitation, dimensions of syringe 12, volume of syringe 12,content of the syringe 12 (in the case of a pre-filled syringe),manufacturing information such as lot numbers, dates and tool cavitynumber, recommended contrast media flow rates and pressures, and/orloading/injection sequences. In one embodiment, the presence, absence,or shape of one or more syringe retaining members 32 may serve as theencoding device. For example, one absent syringe retaining members 32may represent a first code. Two or more adjacent absent syringeretaining members 32 may represent a second code. Two or morenon-adjacent absent syringe retaining members 32 may represent a thirdcode. Various other combinations of present/absent or differently shapedsyringe retaining members 32 may represent various other codes. Thepresence or absence of individual syringe retaining members 32 can bedetermined by the injector using mechanical switches, electricalmaterial sensors, optically, visually, or by other means know in thesensing art. This syringe encoding information is communicated to theinjector control for communication to the operator and for subsequentuse in correctly programming and controlling the injector.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the injector 10 (shown inFIG. 1A), such as the base 70 of the locking mechanism 35 shown in FIGS.2A and 3A, may have an inner support ring (not shown) that protrudesinto at least a portion of the interior volume 25 of the proximal end 20of the syringe 12. Such a support ring may be removably extendable intoat least a portion of the interior volume 25. The support ring mayprovide radial and axial support to at least a portion of one or moresyringe retaining members 32 and/or the inner sidewall 23 (shown in FIG.1B) of the syringe 12 when the syringe 12 is inserted into the lockingmechanism 35. In embodiments where at least one sensor 51 is provided onthe syringe port 16, such as shown in FIG. 2A, the support ring mayprovide a contrasting surface for detecting the presence or absence ofthe at least one encoding device 49 on syringe 12. For example, thesupport ring may provide a contrasting opaque surface against atranslucent or transparent sidewall 19 of the syringe 12 to facilitatethe detection of the at least one encoding device 49.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is to beunderstood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extentpossible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined withone or more features of any other embodiment.

We claim:
 1. A medical injector comprising at least one syringe port forengaging at least one syringe, the syringe port comprising a lockingmechanism comprising: a housing; and a first retaining ring at a distalend of the housing, the first retaining ring having a central openingand a sidewall, wherein the sidewall has one or more first recessesextending radially outward into the sidewall and lateral surfaces ofeach first recess defining a travel path for guiding movement of one ormore retaining lugs of a syringe, wherein each first recess comprises atleast one first guiding surface and a second guiding surface to guidethe retaining lug into self-oriented alignment with the first recess. 2.The medical injector of claim 1, wherein the at least one first guidingsurface and the second guiding surface are inclined radially and axiallytoward the central opening of the first retaining ring.
 3. The medicalinjector of claim 1, wherein the at least one first guiding surfacecomprises an axial point which separates a first portion of the firstguiding surface and a second portion of the first guiding surface,wherein the first portion of the first guiding surface is inclinedtowards one of the first recesses and the second portion of the firstguiding surface is inclined towards a second of the first recessesadjacent to the first recess.
 4. The medical injector of claim 1,wherein the second guiding surface is radially inclined towards thecentral opening from a distal end of the second guiding surface to theproximal end of the second guiding surface.
 5. The medical injector ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one first guiding surface and the secondguiding surface guide the syringe into rotational alignment with the oneor more recesses and into axial alignment with the syringe port.
 6. Themedical injector of claim 1, wherein the one or more first recesses areevenly spaced about an inner circumference of the sidewall.
 7. Themedical injector of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more firstrecesses and the sidewall of the first retaining ring on one radiallyadjacent side of the first recess define a clearance space for receivinga syringe retaining member on the syringe, wherein the syringe retainingmember comprises a lug and an outer surface of a barrel of the syringeon one radially adjacent side of the lug.
 8. A medical injectorcomprising at least one syringe port for engaging at least one syringe,the syringe port comprising a locking mechanism comprising: a housing; afirst retaining ring at a distal end of the housing, the first retainingring having a central opening and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall hasone or more first recesses extending radially outward into the sidewalland lateral surfaces of each first recess defining a travel path forguiding movement of one or more retaining lugs of a syringe; and asecond retaining ring that is rotatable relative to the first regainingring and the housing, wherein each first recess comprises at least onefirst guiding surface and a second guiding surface to guide theretaining lug into self-oriented alignment with the first recess, andwherein the second retaining ring comprising one or more lockingelements extending radially from an inner sidewall of the secondretaining ring and are separated by one or more second recesses forreceiving the one or more retaining lugs when an insertion section ofthe syringe is inserted through the central opening of the firstretaining ring, wherein the one or more locking elements comprise afirst inclined surface for engaging a corresponding inclined surface ofthe one or more retaining lugs for axially ejecting the syringe upondisengagement of the syringe from the syringe port.
 9. The medicalinjector of claim 8, wherein the at least one first guiding surfacecomprises an axial point which separates a first portion of the firstguiding surface and a second portion of the first guiding surface,wherein the first portion of the first guiding surface is inclinedtowards one of the first recesses and the second portion of the firstguiding surface is inclined towards a second of the first recessesadjacent to the first recess.
 10. The medical injector of claim 9,wherein the second guiding surface is radially inclined towards thecentral opening from a distal end of the second guiding surface to theproximal end of the second guiding surface.
 11. The medical injector ofclaim 10, wherein the at least one first guiding surface and the secondguiding surface guide the syringe into rotational alignment with the oneor more recesses and into axial alignment with the syringe port.
 12. Themedical injector of claim 8, wherein the second retaining ring furthercomprises at least one elastically resilient member to bias the secondretaining ring to a first locked position.
 13. The medical injector ofclaim 12, wherein when the syringe is inserted into the syringe port,the inclined surface of the one or more retaining lugs engage the firstinclined surface of the one or more locking elements to rotate thesecond retaining ring from the first locked position to a secondinsertion or release position to allow the one or more second recessesto receive the one or more retaining lugs and wherein the at least oneelastically resilient member returns the second retaining ring to thefirst locked position after the one or more retaining lugs is receivedby the one or more second recesses.
 14. The medical injector of claim13, wherein rotation of the syringe against a biasing force of the atleast one elastically resilient member rotates the second retaining ringfrom the first locked position to a second insertion or release positionto disengage the one or more lugs from the one or more locking elements,and wherein the inclined surface of the one or more retaining lugs ridesup the first inclined surface of the one or more locking elements toaxially ejecting the syringe from the syringe port.
 15. A method forreversibly locking a syringe to a locking mechanism of a fluid injector,the method comprising: engaging a first tapered surface of at least onelug protruding radially outward relative to an outer surface of asidewall of the syringe with a first guiding surface or a second guidingsurface of a first recess of a first retaining ring of the lockingmechanism to rotationally guide the syringe into self-orientingalignment with the locking mechanism; engaging the first tapered surfaceof the at least one lug with a first inclined surface of a secondretaining ring of the locking mechanism; rotating the second retainingring of the locking mechanism from a first locked position to a secondinsertion position by an axial interaction between the first taperedsurface and the first inclined surface, wherein the rotation is againsta biasing force from an elastically resilient member; receiving the atleast one lug into a second recess of the second retaining ring whilethe second retaining ring is in the second insertion position; androtating the second retaining ring from the second insertion position tothe first locked position by the action of the elastically resilientmember.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising abutting a basesurface of the at least one lug with a locking surface of the at leastone second ring to lock the syringe into the locking mechanism of thefluid injector.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising unlockingthe syringe from the locking mechanism of the fluid injector.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, wherein unlocking the syringe from the lockingmechanism of the fluid injector comprises: rotating the at secondretaining ring from the first locked position to the second insertionposition by rotating the syringe and the at least one lug against thebiasing force of the elastically resilient member; axially ejecting thesyringe from the locking mechanism, wherein the elastically resilientmember, wherein by the axial interaction between the first taperedsurface and the first inclined surface by the elastically resilientmember causes the first tapered surface to slide axially against thefirst inclined surface to eject the syringe.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein axially ejecting the syringe from the locking mechanism requiresno axial effort by the technician.